Like last year, the weather was mainly sunny and cold with only a light breeze. This gave good light for identifying the birds most of the time. The number of birds on the lake and in the surrounding trees etc. was however disappointingly low. We saw any species which we heard and ended with a total tally of 31 species.

The full list was:

Canada Goose; Coot; Tufted Duck; Woodpigeon; Magpie; Pochard; Cormorant; Great-crested Grebe; Wigeon; Shoveler; Black-headed Gull (lots); Mute Swan; Mallard; Red Kite; Ring-necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow; Starling; Goldfinch; Robin; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Long-tailed Tit; Goldeneye (not seen on last year's walk); Kingfisher; Blackbird, Lesser Black-backed Gull; Lapwing; Moorhen; Redwing; Jay and Red-crested Pochard.

There were some noticeable absentees and not just the Smew which was seen for several days in December - namely Grey Heron; Little Egret (the nest cameras did not find any either); Egyptian Goose; Gadwall; Wren; Herring Gull; Siskin; Dunnock; raptors (except for the Kite); Woodpecker and Chaffinch.

Dick Beeden led the walk which was attended by 9 other people. Thanks to Mike Kerrison for his support and excellent record keeping.

Note that this walk will be repeated on February 19th.