Ice Age

Castle Lake 90% frozen this afternoon, but still plenty of birds on offer in the area including the following;

2 Mute Swan, Shelduck, 70 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 2 Kestrel, 90 Coot, Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 3 Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull over north, 95 Common Gull, 500 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, GS Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, 12 Fieldfare, 4 Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 3 Willow Tit, 4 Bullfinch. 
BC reported a male Merlin from the hide this afternoon and a 1st-winter Caspian Gull last week (first site record).

The River Stell produced a Mute Swan pair and this very approachable Shelduck.

Male Bullfinch along the bridleway.