The ducks aren't happy again

The day after posting my last blog I came across a small flock of around a dozen Redpoll by the New Hall pond. Not a walk lifer but a very nice year tick 

I guess it's winter but the ducks don't approve of the cold! Yesterday morning the sun was shining so I picked up my camera and off I went.

There was some ice at the Coalport pond.

Netteswell Church is redundant. There is a sign no entry for the General public.

There was still a Little Grebe at Newhall yesterday

After another cold night!

The Coalport pond was frozen over! A bit of the Newhall pond was free from ice and when someone appeared with bread the birds appeared!

Bit surprised to find one goose. 

I expect tomorrow all of the ponds will be frozen!

Stop press. Tuesday morning... Just seen some Siskin

The ducks are not happy!

Well it has turned a tadge nippy. Both the Coalport and New Hall ponds have ice.

Coalport 

The Mallards hang about as they get fed. I know you aren't meant to feed them bread but people often bring children and if that breeds a liking for wildlife...

The Newhall pond, just a bit of water left. The big white duck vanished before the cold snap. I wonder if he left with the geese,

I keep hoping for some winter finches or whisper it Waxwings... 

As Wessex Reiver said maybe a duck will pop up. It was nice to read that there are Smew back at Amwell this winter after a break. 

I'm just about to read the 7th of Jack McDevitt's Academy series. The 8th is not available on ereader or in paperback in the UK so I've had to order a second hand copy. 

Some local birds

I've walked a fair amount but it is very quiet. I did see a small flock of siskins at the end of last year. The highlight has been the large number of Canada Geese which I've already mentioned. And yes I ought to go to one of my local reserves.

I love you mallards but is the a chance you could bring one of your cousins along? In almost 4 years my various ponds have thrown up one female Mandarin duck! I honestly thought something would have shown up over winter! 

This Robin was in good voice! 

The foals being mischievous! They really look like they need a nice wash :)

Anglesey Abbey

Firstly a happy New Year. A few things to look forward to. I'll pass 900 churches finally and I hope to get to the Leicester/Northampton area.

The forecast was promising for this morning so I headed to Anglesey Abbey. 

The obligatory scone.

I saw some snowdrops yesterday by the side of the road,

Now this is a surprise! There is a spot that is in the sun that often has a daffodil but this is not it and there were a few.

This is the normal spot...

A few roses still.

Madness eh

A really nice walk. It was starting to get busy so I headed home. 

I had a wander locally and there were 56 Canada Geese!!!