17th January

Thorncombe Street

Waking up to snow was a surprise this morning, and it was coming down thick and fast as I made my way to the patch. The valley always looks particularly magical in the snow, and last time it fell here, in February of last year, I had 3 Brent Geese fly over my head.

Allden's Hill in the snow earlier today

From Allden's Hill visibility was reduced, with the snow falling heavily. The first stop was Rowe Barn Farm, where plenty of Thrushes were feeding on the holly. About 20 vocal Common Gulls drifted overhead, almost all north, seemingly disgruntled by the sudden lack of green fields to feed on. 2 Red Kites were over towards Slade's Farm, one perched in a dead tree, the other looking resplendent as it glided in the dropping flakes.

Upon reaching the top of the Ridge it was clear the Finch/Bunting flock had increased. Surely 50 Reed Buntings, at least, were joined by Chaffinches, Linnets and Goldfinches, many of them feeding on the niger seed I'd spread close to the footpath on the north side on Thursday. This allowed close up views of the flock, though I couldn't pick out any Yellowhammers or Bramblings. Aside from some calling Siskin Furze Field was quiet, and with fog descending on the Ridge I decided to climb down, a Raven cronking in the sleety gloom as I left.

Wildfowl numbers on Mill Pond normally increase significantly in severe weather, and it was no surprise to see high numbers of Teal (30+), Shoveler (c.8), Mandarin (30+) and Tufted Ducks (40+).

Later in the day Matt Phelps witnessed some cold winter movement at Winkworth, with 9 Crossbills south being the first of the year, and indeed the first in the area since November. 8 Bramblings also flew over, with another calling on the deck, and Firecrest was present by the boathouse.