Birding in the Snow!

So, after the roads had been cleared of snow after Fridays "blizzards??" it seemed only sensible to get out and do some birding in the snow, and make the most of the countryside looking truly magical. First stop was Warnham LNR where the feeders didn't let us down. Great numbers of Siskin and Redpoll were present, joined by numerous Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Long-tailed Tit, and the other usual suspects. Around the rest of the reserve it was pretty quiet; a few Pochard out on the almost entirely frozen lake and the usual gull flock, with all 5 common species present.

Siskin, Carduelis spinus

Lesser Redpoll, Carduelis cabaret

Lesser Redpoll, Carduelis cabaret

Then it was on to Pulborough, where it was rather quiet as the brooks were almost entirely frozen. There were a lovely flock of Goldcrests pinging about in the trees at Fattengates, accompanied by at least 1 Firecrest! There were also plenty of Song Thrush on show, plenty of Lapwing around and out on the brooks there were a few Teal, Shelduck and Widgeon. The highlight for me was the 34 Snipe counted from West Mead Hide, pottering around in the snow, almost like they were still totally camouflaged. Back at the visitor centre, there were numerous Coal Tit on the feeders, and a single Marsh Tit.

Common Snipe in the snow,  Gallinago gallinago

A chilly looking Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus