Sunday 17th March 2013
Cold, dry, partial high cloud, clearing, light frost, light Southerlies
Skywatch from North end of Barleyfield 06:00- 07:00 then
Mid-section of reserve - Compton to Newbridge including Barleyfield and Compton Park

Skywatch:
Canada Goose - 3 SW and 1 NE
Black-headed Gull - 13 SW
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 24 SW
Grey Wagtail - 1 high SE
Redwing - 5 East
Starling - 297 SW ( largest group of 130) peaked at 06:30
Chaffinch - 6 East

Patch Highlights:
Little Grebe - Summer plumaged pair still below Compton Lock and another lone individual just North of Prefab Weir.
Black-headed Gull - 55 on the upper pitches by Meccano Bridge - an exceptional count for this time of year as most birds have usually left for their breeding grounds by now.
Sparrowhawk - male West over Prefabs.
Green Woodpecker - birds calling from Henwood Road and the Barleyfield Annex.
Great Spotted woodpecker - Excellent showing with one chattering at the South end of the Paddock. Later a pair were seen in the lower Alders, whilst one called from the crossings. The two flew into Compton Park, where they were seen in a tree disputing with another bird that left towards S. Peters. Reasonable to assume that there are at least 4 birds in the area, possibly holding 3 territories.
Grey Wagtail -Pair at Compton Lock, raising hopes of local breeding.
Redwing - 1 East off the Barleyfield Crossings and 10+ at Compton Park - a significant count this year and no Fieldfare around or migrating over at all.
Goldcrest - 1 singing by Compton Lock and 1 at Meccano Bridge.
Long-tailed Tit - sparse with just 3 noted at the top of the Barleyfield.
Nuthatch - one calling in traditional spot between the Tennis Club and the Academy.
Jay - 1st mid-section bird of the year making a repeated heron like call in the middle of the Paddocks.
Linnet - one over the Paddock.
Bullfinch - singing males at the Tennis Club and top of The Barleyfield.
Finch Flock - Lower Alders holding 20+ Chaffinch, 5+ Goldfinch and 2+ Siskin.

Census:
Mallard - 17 male and 7 female
Moorhen - 12
Song Thrush - 5 (4 singing at Barleyfield Annex, South of Meccano Bridge, Newbridge and the Eastern border of Barleyfield)
Great Tit - 7 pairs

Total: 35 species.