Ten members braved a dank and cold morning, typical of this so far dreary February, and gathered in the hide overlooking the mill pond where an array of the usual birds was assembled. There were plenty of Mallards and Tufted Ducks interspersed with Coots, a Gadwall and three Egyptian Geese. Further out were a Cormorant, a Grey Heron and seven Pochards. A lucky few saw a Kingfisher streaking across the water. At the feeder screen the standout bird amid considerable activity was a male Siskin. For company it had numerous Blue and Great Tits plus a few Goldfinches, Long-tailed Tits and singles of Coal Tit and Greenfinch. On the ground a Redwing hopped into view amid many Chaffinches and a few each of Dunnock and Nuthatch.
The action at the feeder hide was more muted, mainly more of the same tits and finches, but there was also a Pheasant or two strolling around while two Moorhens behaved as though they were being paid to chase off the Brown Rats. A couple of Reed Buntings foraged around while Blackbirds came and went with their usual clamour. So it was on to the boardwalk and the wet woodland. Wrens were in good voice but elusive for viewing. A confiding Robin was a big hit when it was enticed to feed from the hand. A Great Spotted Woodpecker perched high overhead caused strain on the neck muscles while a Song Thrush piped in the distance. A small flock of Redwings fed on the adjacent golf course and a Goldcrest hopped around in a low bramble.
The circuit led back to the feeder hide where activity had heated up. To universal delight several Siskins appeared on the feeders and two Bramblings were coming and going. Then Redpolls began arriving until their number reached six; one was extensively marked with red on its head and breast, a really handsome bird. Finally back a the feeder screen the morning was crowned by the sight of a female Bullfinch. Despite the unpromising conditions the walk had proved to be most productive with 41 species identified.