Wednesday December 28th

Alvecote Pools
Warks: The two Barnacle Geese still and three Great White Egrets were reported. News in today that there were still two Great White Egrets for 24th and 26th so ignore yesterdays comment (Roy Smith, Tom Perrins).

Broomey Croft
Still around 106 Goldfinches near Car Park (Wal).

Hams Hall 
The Siberian Chiffchaff was heard and seen at the outflow with four Common Chiffchaffs and nearby the Common Sandpiper and a further two Chiffchaffs along the river (John Harris).

Ladywalk NR
As suspected there does appear to be two Siberian Chiffchaffs in the area with a second bird within one hour of the outflow bird, along the entrance track with two Common Chiffchaffs. One was seen there on 24th too (John Harris).

 by Martin Weaver

Middleton RSPB
Warks: The record number of 56 Little Egrets was repeated tonight at the heronry (Steven Pick et al)
Staffs: Six Shelduck plus the hybrid, Peregrine, Barn Owl and four Stonechats (Steve Atkinson).

Water Orton
I can recommend the riverside walk from by Water Orton Pool towards Hams Hall, which has some of the least disturbed old habitats in the Tame Valley. There are several old wet meadows, small overgrown spinneys and good stands of bramble. Today Gadwall, Teal, Tufted & Mallard were in good numbers with 26 Goosanders, 37 Moorhens, five Litle Grebes, Green Sandpiper and four Grey Wagtails. Looks as good as anywhere for a Firecrest or Stonechats amongst others.