DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE: W/E 20th October 2019. The water level is, reportedly, still very high with recent rains increasing the possibility of the river overflowing the banks yet again. BIRDS: The most recent count (20th) include 13 Little Grebes, 72 Mallards, 86 Gadwalls 41 Wigeon, seven Teal and 17 Shovelers. Coot are hovering around ten and the only wader noted was a Snipe. Some 56 Redwings passed through the area and in song were Cetti’s Warbler, Wren and Robin. WARNING: The flood pool is reported to be seven inches deep and, judging by the water lying in the surrounding area, will not drain away anytime soon. The advice is not to drive through it but if you do it is at your own risk (notice on the entrance gate). With thanks to AG and KW.