DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE: Week-ending 12th January 2020. A visit was carried out on the afternoon of the 11th January to count the roosting Cormorants. The light conditions were abysmal and when the count commenced, at 1455hrs, 75 birds were already in. The final tally was 113 with 35 fewer birds than the count carried out on the 4th January. Several birds were already claiming nest and carrying out mild displays. The only bird of note was the female Long-tailed Duck. The national wildfowl count was carried out on the 12 by AG who reports Little Grebe – nine; Grey Heron – 19 in the North Pool; Mute Swan – six; Canada Goose – 40; Egyptian Goose – two; Mallard – 36; Gadwall – 64; Wigeon – 63; Teal – 28; Shoveler – 53; Pochard – two; Tufted Duck – 41; Goldeneye – five; Moorhen – five; Coot – 65; Water Rail – one; Black-headed Gull – 106 and Common Gull – one. FLOOD POOL: On the 11th the depth varied from 8” to 7.5”. Heavy overnight rain on the 11th/12th increased the depth slightly. With much more rain forecast for the coming week there is no abatement of the conditions in site. If visiting and decide to walk through the flood be advised that there is a lot of loose rubble underfoot with the occasional large boulder. GATE SECURITY: There has already been an instance when the lock was left open. Please take time to ensure that the lock is secure. With thanks to AG, KW, RW and JKC.