As other posts have noted, the freezing conditions have pushed various skulking waterbirds out into the open. Close to Guestling Church, 12 Moorhens were picking about in the frost beside a frozen pond where I had previously seen never more than 3.
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One of the notable features of this past month has been the frequency with which bullfinch have been seen in our garden. They started feeding on the Himalayan honeysuckle but in recent days they have turned up on the dead stems of last summers raspberry and bramble. The autumn fruits are not to our tastes and were left on the plants, with the stems to be cut down in the spring. The fruits have now shrivelled revealing clusters of small frosty seeds which two bullfinches were feasting on this morning.
Highlights today included a Dartford Warbler around Lime Kiln Cottage for most of the day, at least two Merlin, one each on shore ridges and Harbour Farm, a Kingfisher on the saltmarsh and six Goldeneye (including one drake) on Long Pit.