Geese
The cold weather continues which means the ice remains, many ponds are still frozen and the ice is very thick. The hotspots (although not temperature wise) are the South Finger settling pool, Rushy Pen, South Lake and some ice free zones near Zeiss Hide (channel in reed bed) and Kingfisher Hide channel. A singe Dark-bellied Brent and Tundra Bean Goose are on site and can be found among the other goose species.
Rushy Pen
Plenty of birds on show including the Bewick's Swans (96) and the highest density of ducks on site at the moment. Two Whooper Swan were seen flying over and the Little Stint was again seen feeding on the muddy edges.
South Lake
The deep lake was ice free and had a decent variety of duck species including Shoveler and Pochard as well as Great Crested Grebe and Cormorant. A Chiffchaff called from the willows.
Holden Tower
The Barnacle Goose flock still had a Dark-bellied Brent among them, they visited the Tack Piece later in the day. Peregrine Falcon was on lookout on the edge of the Dumbles. The Tundra Bean Goose was among the E. White-fronted Goose (c100) flock, they favoured the Ox Piece (field N of Tack Piece) but also visited the Tack Piece, probably to drink.
Four Reed Bunting and a Water Rail were below the hide.
A Stonechat was in the Long Ground Pool.
Kingfisher Hide
At least 11 Gadwall.
Zeiss Hide
Rather quiet due to the ice but a Bittern was reported.
