Never leave until the fat lady sings

A later start than last week meant most of the frost had disappeared by the time I got to Lockwood. In fact, it was a lovely, surprisingly warm day. Goldeneye had increased to three, with a pair and an immature male, while there was a drake Goosander in the middle. MM, who joined me, had five Goosander flying south while there was also a Common Sandpiper at the north end. A Peregine sat on the pylon overlooking Banbury - the only bird of prey we had.

The drake Goldeneye was still on West Warwick where there were now probably three Stonechats enjoying the sunshine along with a pair of Reed Buntings. I decided to call it a day and walked out with AW, stopping to look at the finch flock feeding on the weeds behind the fences. It has grown to 50 odd birds and must hold hopes for later in the winter.

Mike carried on walking round East Warwick and found a Rock Pipit on the west bank. Good reward for him - rather irritating for me as I could easily have joined him.... Kingfisher, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were recorded both north and south of the road while Mike also had nine Shelduck on No 3. No sign or sound of any Cetti's in perfect conditions when they seem to be very vocal everywhere else so looks as if it/they have moved on.

DB @porthkillier