The weather was kind as ten of us started our birding in glorious sunshine following the path alongside the stream through Mill Plantation. At the first feeding station there was a good selection of tits and finches and good views of the first of at least three nuthatches. Further along we had glimpses of a treecreeper and siskin. Moving on towards the canal many of the group saw siskin and redpoll, thankfully at a lower level avoiding the neck-straining views we had of the siskin in the woods.
The lakes gave us views of wheeling lapwing and small flocks of winter ducks now looking resplendent in their post-eclipse plumage in the winter sun. There were also at least three goldeneyes, a great white egret and little egret. We timed our visit to the only hide perfectly as a heavy rain shower started on as we entered. After sheltering there until the rain passed we made our way back to the car park picking up sightings of a stonechat and a sparrowhawk.
