As forecast, a bright and sunny morning at Fly Flatts with 30% cloud on a cold NW>2 at minus 1 degree but feeling milder with the lack of wind and plenty sun.
The skies looked good for some trans Pennine movement but nothing above other than a single Raven and a party of 9 very high Carrion Crows >NW.
A small duck flew low over the water to the NE end making me think Tufted as it was constantly diving but once in the scope I was surprised to find a female Goldeneye. This is a very rare find for Fly Flatts, in the very peaty acidic water, and only my third ever sighting here. My other 2 sightings being
1 m Jan 2016 and 3 f Oct 2017 so a pleasing find and just what I needed to regain my diminishing faith in Fly Flatts in winter.
Otherwise it was down to 4 Reed Bunting in the compound and 43 Canadas in the top field.
Another day the same forecast for tomorrow but an icy minus 3 degrees early morn. Time for the thermals.
BS