Thorncombe Street
As per normal on a Tuesday, a quick visit to Mill Pond before work, and an absolutely gorgeous morning had the valley soaked in chilly, winter sunshine; something that has been missing so far this winter.
Mill Pond was lively again, with the notable species Tufted Duck, of which about 30 were present. Several Mandarins, a handful of Teal and 3+ Shoveler were also on the water. Further south, on East Waters pond, I patch ticked Grey Heron for the year, with a 1st-winter bird on the western edge.
On the way back I stopped off at Allden's Hill briefly, and as I got out the car 9 Red-legged Partridges were flushed from a small crop close to the road. Moments later, a further 7 took off and landed on the slope, with the light catching their creamy cheeks. This species seems to have had a successful winter - normally they are elusive and low in numbers at this time, the end of the shooting season. It took until the 17th of January before I recorded any last year, and I had no more than 3 before February, whereas I have had counts of 8 (4th) and now 16 in the first fortnight of 2016. With the last shoot at Wintershall commencing this weekend, Red-legged Partridges seem to have done well.
Godalming area
The Great Grey Shrike at Thursley Common was reported again today, this time south of Shrike Hill at 15:30. Nearby, on the Forked Pond, 4 Goosander were reported.
