A beautiful red ball sunrise this morning which was quickly extinguished by fog on the tops.
Ogden was below the cloud base so clear but very dark with light drizzle on a moderate W>3 at 5 degrees.
The Alders were very active this morning with a group of 3 male and 2 female Bullfinch along with Treecreeper, Goldcrests, the usual Tit species and several Blackbirds. Two Chaffinch were present in bright winter plumage, a rare species this year to this site due to the water level high so their favourite weeds on the banking remain under water. By this time of year the Chaffinch roost is usually up to around 70 birds including pale continentals and Brambling, but this has,nt happened since around 30 Brambling were present in February 2017. Last year I just had a single Brambling throughout the winter at this site.
Very little activity otherwise with just a few small gulls on the water as well as the long staying female Goosander, but one of these mornings!!! watch this space.
Glaucous and Iceland gulls have hit the Shetlands so something to look out for. Also several reports of Gt Northern Divers, Red Breasted Mergansers and Long Tailed Duck moving around so check those reservoirs.
A strong sou'wester blowing tomorrow.
BS