A finch morning.....

With the reed beds now practically devoid of bird life and the withy bed only productive early morning and late afternoon a couple of nets were positioned around the feeders for the end of the year to keep things ticking over and provide a platform for trainees over the winter months.

The first net round in the withy bed produced 5 Goldcrests and 2 Long-tailed Tits.  Around the feeders a steady stream of Blue Tits and a single Great Tit (where are they all?) was complemented by a nice little run of Greenfinch and Chaffinch.  The final net round in the withy bed produced a male Bullfinch. A few Robins and Dunnocks made up the rest of the numbers but 30 birds in 90 minutes was a worthwhile effort.

Of great interest was that I also caught the second ever House Sparrow down at the Swannery since 1995.  Perhaps they are creeping down as the cold weather kicks in

The weather looks to be deteriorating as the week goes on but may get another chance this week