Sub zero temperatures

Hello

For most of us the daytime temperature never did improve from three degrees below Centigrade so a very cold day, particularly where the sun did not prise through the banks of fog. It's the small birds such as Goldcrests that struggle during this type of weather, particularly if there are several days of similar harsh conditions.

However it was a larger bird in distress today, causing me to wade out in rather cold water at Pitsford Reservoir to rescue a Coot caught up in fishing line. Unfortunately the cord had already cut through the bone of the leg so once back on dry land I had to fully amputate the leg before releasing the bird (which seemed strong) - I hope he/she makes it. Pitsford is a SSSI but the welfare of the wildlife is juggled with fishing interests and sadly tangled and ensnared wildlife is a regular problem with recent victims being another Coot, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and several Cormorants. In addition we notice hooks and similar items in the feet of geese and swans which are not always easy to catch to remove the offending item.

Birds seen at the reservoir today included a Great White Egret, a Kingfisher, a Chiffchaff, about a dozen Snipe and three Redpolls.

There was no sign of the Greenland White-fronted Goose at Wicksteed Park today but the full flock of thirty-three Eurasian White-fronted Geese were still present at Stanwick Pits.

The sub zero temperatures brought plenty of birds into our small rural garden today and included four Redwings, two Fieldfares and singles of Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. A Barn Owl was hunting in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon.

Regards

Neil M

Coot courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Drake Goldeneye courtesy
of Phillip Davies.

Red Kite.