A slightly milder morning at Ogden starting at 0 degree then rising to 1 degree as opposed to my last visit at minus 4. Full cloud and a few half hearted snow showers on a SW>3. A large bank of fog was over the tops to the west.
I was glad to see no Goosander or Goldeneye today with the part frozen water being at a dangerous stage for divers getting trapped under the ice. Just the usual Mallards and at least 4 Teal at the NE end whilst 2 adult Herring gull and around 150 small gulls were on the ice with an unusually high number of 1st winter Commons.
The west bank Alders were busy with the usual tit flock comprising of Blue, Great and Coal, but no Long Tailed, as well as Goldcrest and at least 4 Treecreepers all near together.
A group of 15 Redpoll were mobile over the canopy and only dropping into the Alders briefly where they were very difficult to find in the dark conditions.
Blackbirds and Robins were present in good numbers whilst a Sparrowhawk skimmed low over the promenade.
A threat of raining ice tomorrow which could be exciting underfoot, then the temperature blasting up to 12 degrees by Monday.
BS