Masters Of All They Surveyed

Castle Lake still 95% frozen this afternoon but a thaw is forecast in the next few days. Birds on the only ice-free area included 112 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 45 Mallard, 31 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck and 5 Coot.
Various numbers of gulls coming and going with around 100 Common Gull present as the light started to fade.
Others on the periphery were Grey Heron, Kestrel, 7 Curlew and 3 Redshank.
Mid-afternoon produced 2 Short-eared Owl hunting around the lake including one again coming very close to the hide.

Birding for me has always been a relaxing and therapeutic experience and watching these charismatic birds go about their business just enhances those feelings. At least four more were becoming active over Low Hardwick by the time dusk was setting in.