weeds have gone
Ogden 1430 - 1530 hrs Heavy overnight snow with around 6 " covering.
With Soil Hill covered in deep lying snow stopping any chance of Snow Buntings, it was down to Ogden in what looked like perfect conditions for something tasty on the water.
The walk around the water was treacherous with ankle deep slush and, with a heavy thaw going on ,water and snow was dropping from the trees, several of which had been broken or felled by the weight of the snow partially blocking the track in several places. Passerine alley especially had taken a real battering.
Things looked quiet to begin with but a bit of patience and searching it started to fall into place.
The Kingfisher was again down in the sluice gates and a bit better to photograph with a white snowy background whilst a Sparrowhawk passed overhead. The Chaffinch flock was again about 30 strong with at least 1 Brambling standing out as they flew over the water to the opposite banking but I was unable to re locate it when I caught up to them trying to feed on the snow covered shoreline.
About 11 Goldcrests were present whilst on the water a female Goldeneye appeared from under the banking and the Little Grebe was busy catching Sticklebacks. Around 30 small gulls and 4 LBBs completed the compliment.
Walking back across the promenade the Kingfisher was still in the same place whilst what I thought to be a Snipe turned out to be a Woodcock flying fast and high overhead >NW towards the Giants Tooth.
BS