A good day to walk round today in a balmy January temperature of 9 degrees. The ground was still sodden underfoot, principally from last night’s heavy rain, rather than the flooding of the last few weeks. Highlights were the rising numbers of Goldeneye (13 seen), a pair of Goosander and a large flock of lapwings wheeling above the reserve but there were generally more birds of most species in evidence. Bird counts were Mallard 50, Tufted Duck 97, Teal 64, Gadwall 56, Shoveller 4, Wigeon 49, Pochard 3, Goldeneye 13, Coot 18, GC Grebe 4, Goosander 2, Shelduck 2, Grey Heron 4, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 6, Cormorant 28, Black-headed Gull 45, Herring Gull 1, Buzzard 1, Carrion Crow 3, Blackbird 7, Redwing 4, Lapwing ~90, Robin 2, Blue Tit 2, Long-tailed Tit 4, Sparrowhawk 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1. 2 Cetti’s warbler heard.