Pype Hayes Park.

Nice early morning trip to a mild Pype Hayes Park that was bereft of the forecast rain and 'gale force' winds, no surprise there then.

Spot of the day was seeing a Kingfisher dash across the Plantsbrook, all too brief but very nice all the same. Coming a close second was seeing a flock of Bullfinch which held at least twenty birds, there could have been more but there was a Kestrel hovering around in the same area. There was also plenty of Redwing and Song Thrush hopping about from tree to tree, which is always nice to see. Sadly this years Mute Swan Cygnets have dropped from the original six to only three birds, on my last visit here in November one had been killed and eaten by our 'Eastern European' friends, but I didn't see any locals today so I don't know how this poor bird had met it's fate.

Birds seen were Buzzard, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Wren, Robin, Starling, Redwing, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Coot, Muscovy Duck, Mallard and Canada Goose.

I also saw three trees that had been felled by the recent winds which is a shame because they looked otherwise healthy trees. I did take two large segments of a branch home, sawed them into six pieces and made a new log pile for the insects to have a new home in. 

I'd also like to wish everybody who takes the time out to read and hopefully enjoy my feathered friend musings, 'A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year' and here's looking forward to another year's birding.