A bitterly cold morning at 3 degrees feeling like 0 degrees with the wind chill factor on a NE>4 and full cloud.
Harold Park was missing the Gt White Egret this morning after a check of the main lake, top pond and island so its either moved on or around the area, possibly at Horton Bank Top where is has been sighted in the past.
Not as many gulls today but enough small gulls to check through and 13 Herring gulls also present.
The Little Grebe was showing well, out in the open, along with several Tufted, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen whilst the top pond held a single Heron as well as one by the lake. A local informed me of the top pond, which I did'nt know existed, saying the Egret sometimes settled up there but not today. He also said at least 1 Ring Necked Parakeet was usually present in the park but unseen today.
On to a very cold and breezy exposed Park Dam with all the swans returned here from the park but no sign of the Pochard. Goosander numbers were up to 9 with 5m and 4f making m think more of expecting a Smew this winter.
Otherwise it was down to the usual geese, Tufted, Mallards, Coots and Moorhens as well as the usual 2 Gt Crested Grebe but another good mornings birding with plenty to see and more to expect.
Another cold, cloudy day tomorrow on a light >NE.
BS