A windy dark morning at Harold Park with a strong N>6 gusting 7 with 90% cloud at 4 degrees and odd light showers.
The 2 adult Mute Swans plus 4 juvs had come onto the lake leaving the other 3 juvs on Park Dam which a local told me this is a regular occurrence with all the swans alternating from one stretch of water to the other along with the Pochard.
The Gt White Egret stayed in the shelter of the island this morning which is quite a distance for photos and in amongst the tree branches. Otherwise it was down to the usual wildfowl and a good count of Black Headed plus a few Common gulls but no big gulls present today.
Park Dam is very exposed so very windy on he banking top but a good supply of species. Goosanders were in good form with 4 male and 3 female making this a possible site to provided a Smew over the winter, my last local being a Red Head on Mixenden, 28/12/2021.
The long staying Pochard was still present but unfortunately a bread thrower appeared at the far side of the dam attracting everything, including the Pochard, to the distant corner. The 2 Gt Crested Grebe and a single Little Grebe, whatever happened to 'Dabchick', were still present along with several Tufted and 3 Cormorant plus the usual species.
Another good visit to these two stretches of water, which are only 10 minutes from my home, when the roads are quiet, with always plenty species to sift through and always a high percentage chance of something unusual turning up. Thanks to NK for bringing this area to life with his visits and reports.
Looking much brighter for tomorrow on a moderate NNE but much lower wind than today.
BS