Winter Solstice.

Sunny, 12º, light SSW, very mild!

This time for the past 2 years we have had a fair bit of snow around but it appears to be staying away so far this year, have only seen snow on some of the high points on the downs recently but none at the moment.

Still some insects on the wing.

Lollingdon Hill

The hill was very quiet today, 1 Red Kite around and approx 100 Fieldfare and a few Redwing present, also 3 Corn Bunting.

Cholsey Marsh

Just over 100 Corn Bunting coming to roost, approx 12 Reed Bunting on the marsh and 5 Yellowhammer, possibly roosting as well.

2 Kingfisher along the river also 2 Water Rail heard on the marsh. More Fieldfare (c80) feeding on Hawthorn on the opposite river bank but no Redwing seen, although Redwing heard overhead later. Redwing numbers very low around the Cholsey area?

A Mute Swan on the river and 4 in an adjacent field (2 ad and 2 juv).

Great-spotted Woodpecker also seen and a Song Thrush singing at Little Stoke.

Several Roe Deer on the marsh.

2 different Treecreepers in garden recently and the Goldfinches are now getting through rather a lot of nyger seed.