Reverting to type

The first two weeks of December were a veritable winter wonderland in terms of weather – with fairly decent birding to boot – but the last 10 days has seen a return to more typical modern-day conditions. That means mild temperatures, rain and grey skies. There's still been bits and pieces to see, however, as 2022 winds down.

Water Rail.

Thursday 15th

After yesterday's excitement it was much quieter along the Wey at Eashing this morning, which was a biting -8°C when I set out. Highlights included a Marsh Tit in the alder carr, a Firecrest in Milton Wood, the Mute Swan pair and a Ring-necked Parakeet over Weir Marsh.

I continued on to the Lammas Lands, where one Snipe was braving it out on Overgone Meadow, before heading home.

Black-headed Gulls.

Friday 16th

It was somehow even colder this morning, which saw Tuesley frozen over for the first time since its construction a decade ago. Eight Pochard and a site record 18 Coot were huddled on the tiny sliver of unfrozen water.

I then walked Thursley, just about managing 22 species during a rather bird-less – albeit beautiful – hour in the frost. I was surprised to see four Dartford Warblers during the session.

Thursley Common.

Later on, a few House Sparrows visited our feeders – an uncommon species on this side of the village.

Saturday 17th

I walked along the river once more this morning, which once again was freezing cold and frosty. The Mute Swan pair were still about and a Marsh Tit was heard, but it was looking like a quiet one until I got to Greenways Farm. There, two northbound ducks transpired to be a Goosander pair. Yet another cold weather sign, these were a new Eashing bird for me – and number 110 for my 1-km this year. 

Goosander and the Wey at Eashing.

December has been productive around here to say the least, with no fewer than four Eashing area ticks and a swathe of other good records. A look through the history books suggests these birds to be the first Goosander in Eashing since 1838!

Saturday 18th

The first morning in two weeks without a fresh frost gradually transitioned to typical winter weather: grey, damp and mild. I met up with Kit for a few hours birding in his neck of the woods, starting at Shalford Water Meadows, where a surprise drake Wigeon was showing well on the Wey. It had likely moved from more typical haunts due to the big freeze.

Wigeon.

A flock of seven Lapwings east was another decent record, with other bits including singles of Snipe, Teal and Chiffchaff and 13 Cormorants.

We then headed to Unstead SF – only my second visit of 2022 to my former stomping ground. Four Water Rails performed superbly at the southern end of Dry Lagoon but it was otherwise quiet, save a Chiffchaff by the works and a flyover Snipe.

Water Rail.

Monday 19th

No birding.

Tuesday 20th

No birding. 

Wednesday 21st

The water levels were exceptionally high along the Wey at Eashing when I met Matt for some late afternoon birding. The banks had burst in various places and lots of temporary pools had appeared, so perhaps it wasn't as much of a surprise as it felt when a Green Sandpiper took off from one of them.

Green Sandpiper.

Yet another Eashing area first this December, which has proved excellent in my 1-km, we enjoyed multiple views as it skittishly whizzed up and down the river during our session. 

Other bits of note included the continuing Mute Swan pair enjoying the floods and a Reed Bunting (surprisingly uncommon along the Wey here).

We then headed to Shackleford for a dusk stakeout. Two Little Owls were vocalising after dark and a few Lapwings were heard as well. When we were leaving, a Woodcock flashed low in front of the car headlights before dropping into one of the fields.

Thursday 22nd

Before work I popped down to see if the Green Sandpiper was still there. It was, but water levels were much reduced, and I suspect it'll be gone soon. 

Green Sandpiper.

A drizzly, gloomy walk was otherwise fairly quiet, save a Marsh Tit and a Firecrest in the same locations as on 15th and the Mute Swan pair. A drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker befitted the date – the winter solstice was yesterday.

Friday 23rd

No birding.

Saturday 24th

With Dave still needing Wigeon for his south-west Surrey year list, I joined him this morning on a trip to Wrecclesham Floods. The water levels were high and thus plenty of Wigeon were about – at least 50 but possibly as many as 70. Four Little Egrets were seen as well.

We worked our way back via an area of farmland neither of us had been to before between Spreakley and Dockenfield. A small Linnet flock and a Reed Bunting were noted here.

We finished off at Frensham Great Pond, where a count of 11 Pochard was reflective of the paltry Aythya numbers currently in our area.

A mid-afternoon stroll along the river was quiet, though a Red-legged Partridge (not in a pear tree alas) showed well at Greenways.

Red-legged Partridge.