The high river levels of a week ago have fallen substantially, though the tide marks on the reserve show that several paths have been under water. Even now outflow at the Lake 12 sluice to the River Trent is at a high rate and the entry path at this point looks to have only just emerged.

A good morning for a walk round, though; sunshine, blue skies & a light westerly wind. Some signs of spring arrivals with three Chiffchaff in full song but no martins in evidence at this stage. Reed Buntings were showing in several places sitting up well in the reed beds. 

There are still plenty of winter ducks, the most notable, as in previous weeks, being the large numbers of Goldeneye - 39 seen on the day. Missing perhaps were the Black-headed Gulls - only 6 seen- and the Geese - a lone Canada was present

Counts for the day were : Mallard 15, Tufted Duck 84, Teal 9, Gadwall 4, Shoveller 8, Wigeon 43, Goldeneye 39, Coot 6, GC Grebe 8, Grey Heron 5, Canada Goose 1, Mute Swan 8, Cormorant 9, BH Gull 6, Buzzard 1, Lapwing 4, Chiffchaff 3, Reed Bunting 5, Bullfinch 3, Chaffinch 4, Blackbird 3, Robin 3, Blue Tit 5, Great Tit 7, LT Tit 7, Tree Sparrow 1, Wren 1 & Cetti's Warbler 7 heard.