An extended morning walk along White Dyke and back via Marshfoot Lane in bright though blustery conditions failed to produce any of the overwintering specials apart from very brief views of the Dartford Warbler on White Dyke. Of note was a male Tufted Duck on Down Level but apart from that it was very much business as usual with 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 3 Cettis', and not a lot else besides.
The new year got off to a good start last weekend with a clean up of all the overwintering goodies possible, when the weather was half reasonable. The Richards' was down by Lookers' on the 2nd and proved popular both on that and subsequent days, 6 Shorties were present on both the 2nd and 4th, the ringtail Hen Harrier was seen on the 4th, Water Rail was seen well on North Down on the 4th, Barn Owl was seen on the 1st and 4th, 3 Peregrine were seen together on Horse-eye on the 4th (2 fem), 6 different Marsh Harrier remain in the area, the Lookers' Dartford Warbler was giving itself up on the 2nd and 4th, and a Dabchick was in Hurst Haven ditch on the 1st. Nearby the Rough leg was still at Jevington and seen well on the 1st and 4th, If anything as its plumage becomes more worn it is becoming a more striking bird with a serious black and white contrast going on with the head and belly. The only disappointment at the moment is the apparent absence of any Merlin.
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