Thames, 21st Jan

Cholsey Marsh – Bow Bridge - Winterbrook

Bright, 0º. Sharp frost.

River level dropped but field flooding more extensive.

Usual flock of Canada Geese around, 2 Tufted and several Mallard on river with 5 Teal in a small creek. 5-6 Gadwall towards Winterbrook.

1 Great Crested and several Little Grebe.

8 Cormorant in usual spot.

5 Grey Heron, 8 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk.

Moorhen common and 2 Coot, a few gulls overhead.

4 Stock Dove near Bow and several Tit flocks in that area. Also Kingfisher, Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker.

4 Song Thrush and many Redwing. Quite a few Siskin flyovers, possibly 20+ birds. 2 Reed Bunting on the marsh.

2 Roe Deer still present on the marsh and a lot of subterranean Mole activity along river bank. Is that reflecting the rise in the water table?

Sallow begining to bud on the marsh and looks quite impressive with all the white/grey silky buds showing.

                                    Great Crested Grebe

                                               Redwings

                                              Red Kite