10th March 2010

Walked to the lakes early morning, and counted 42 Fieldfares and 10 Redwings in a field along Norton Lane on my way there. Saw 2 Shovelers, 3 Pochards, 4 Mute Swans (until the one pair noticed the other!) and the Muscovy Duck at Windmill Pool; whilst 3 more Pochards, 2 Greylag Geese (over), a Goosander and a Kingfisher were seen at Terry's Pool. From the causeway, 3+4 Goosanders were seen flying over but I can only be sure that 4+ were at the lakes today; as well as a wader flying over from south of Windmill and quickly gaining height which sadly I was unable to ID - whatever it was it would've been very notable. It seemed rather dark overall with no noticeable wing-bars or white rump/tail (although viewing conditions were dull), and had quite a long bill that seemed too short for Common Snipe or Woodcock - was it a Jack Snipe??? I don't have much luck with waders in flight! :-(
M.P. Griffiths

P.S. In case anyone's been wondering what the Muscovy Duck looks like, here it is:

Muscovy Duck (right!), 07/03/2010 (© Bob Roberts)