Pinch Punch!

Huge flock of Redpolls at Brandon this morning!

Pinch punch, 1st of the month! It was a little colder than I thought last night and for the first time this autumn/winter the marina had actually frozen over.

A little later arriving at Brandon Marsh today, just prior to sunrise and taking my usual route it seemed a little quieter than previous days, save for a Kestrel perched on the stationary wind pump. Not surprising really as the berry stock in my opinion is about 80 depleted! I always know when things are starting to get a little more difficult for our winter Thrush flocks when they begin to ground feed, searching for windfall snacks.

Lesser Redpoll

The pools were partly frozen and the best I could manage of note: 2 Great-crested Grebe 2 ♀Goldeneye and 10 Snipe. As I approached the Oak Tree near the River Pool Hide turn from Central Marsh a huge flock of Lesser Redpoll were feeding both in the nearby Alder and at lower level in what remains of the Willow Herb. Even in the light rain and poor light it was too much of an opportunity for some shots.

The best of my short visit was when I was edging my way along the path towards River Pool trying to get a little closer to the Redpoll, when my first Woodcock this autumn at Brandon took flight. In fact I nearly stood on the poor thing!

Also of note: Treecreeper (2), Willow Tit (2), Bullfinch (1♂2♀), Linnet (1), Skylark (2 over), Cetti's Warbler (2 heard), Kingfisher (2), Water Rail (1 heard) and Goldcrest (1)