Thorncombe Street
Restricted time on the patch during the past few days, though wildfowl numbers were up on Mill Pond on the 8th, with c.8 Teal, 3+ Shoveler, 24 Tufted Ducks and at least 25 Mandarin, many displaying drakes within the flock of latter species. On the drive a Red Kite was seen from the car, with 2 Red-legged Partridges on Allden's Hill.
Godalming area
8th: Little Egrets continue to frequent the flooded meadows adjacent to the River Wey, with 1 on the Lammas Lands and another further north, on the Flooded Field at Unstead Sewage Farm. It was at this latter site that I saw 2 Ravens flying east over the works (viewed from Unstead Lane), a long overdue site tick for me.
9th: At Frensham Little Pond a Bittern flew to into the south-west corner at 09:10. There were 2 Little Egrets in Hells Ditch on the Lammas Lands.
10th: My first fairly thorough search of Unstead Sewage Farm of the year was fruitful, At least 2 Chiffchaffs were present, 1 showing briefly. This species overwinters at this site with the occasional Tristis bird having been found down the years. A remarkable 20+ Goldcrests were also taking advantage of the bounty of insects in the hedgerows and bushes adjacent to the works. On the Dry Lagoon, 3 Shoveler were joined by up to 8 Reed Buntings, with Teal heard from the direction of Roy's Marsh.
The South Meadow held plenty of Wrens and Dunnocks, and what was surely a Cetti's Warbler was seen every so briefly, skulking in the vegetation. A long tail and chestnut plumage was noted in flight, but frustratingly the bird never called. 2 Water Rails did, however, with 1 showing itself as it was flushed only a foot or so from the footpath. A Peregrine was seen distantly, over towards the Flooded Field, putting up a load of corvids, before flying off NW, wrapping up a very good haul.
Elsewhere today, the 2 Little Egrets were reported again from Hells Ditch, and a Green Sandpiper and 3 Woodcock were seen at Shalford water meadows, the former near Broadford Marsh.
