A steady start to the New Year with as expected Marsh Tit, Cetti’s Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff all seen on day one (all on 2nd too) along with Peregrine. The 2nd produced a winter high of 124 Wigeon, seven Goosander north at dusk, five Water Rails heard, Barn Owl and two nominate Chiffchaffs. A return visit at dusk was interesting for in addition to the Goosander, c25 Snipe flew out to feed (we saw one in the morning, just show’s we don’t really know what’s out there), a Brambling calling and c40 Reed Buntings in to roost. Birds of the day on 3rd were two very smart male Pintail, an unusual bird here in January. Wigeon further increased to 134 and Gadwall were up to 24, the highest count for some time but Teal numbers remained low at 35. C50 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 1050, a male Goosander flew south whilst Marsh Tit, nominate Chiffchaff and the Siberian Chiffchaff were all still present on the embankment. Another evening visit with a view to making a serious effort to count Snipe flying out to roost was again productive when at least 30 left between 1640 and 1700 whilst in the same area five Water Rails were calling, both Cetti’s Warblers were calling as was a male Tawny Owl. Hardly “birdwatching” as most birds were heard only but good fun nevertheless. Also nice to see were 19 Yellowhammers along the Stockley Trail and 210 Jackdaws flying off to roost whilst Common Gull and House Sparrow were added to the yearlist. A good start to the year.