March 29th

Hooded Crow noted on warehouse roof by Hamilton Dock. Seemed pretty exhausted possibly having just come in off the sea. 2nd on patch in 2 years, having previously been very scarce in the area. Fine plumage with grey undertail coverts etc eliminating hybrid possibilities. No sign of any Grey Partridge again by the Hobland road near Lound. Female Goosander resting on the bank at Lound Lakes plus Kingfisher, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese and 3 Shoveler.

Mar 27th

Yesterday a fine female Goosander was seen at Lound Lakes from the car park, the first I have seen on my new patch and a useful yeartick. This brought my specioes total onto a nice round 100. Today an attractive pair of Mandarins were present on the other end of the Lound Lakes complex, outside of the study area on a pool with wooded vegetation on all sides prompting realistic hopes they may breed....

March 23rd

Again has been very quiet recently. Freezing easterlies have meant its still well and truly wintery and consequently no migrants are coming in. The easterly blast today resulted in a fine adult Little Gull being noted feeding just offshore at Ness Point, one of a reasonable showing here today with up to 10 being noted. Way to cold for me to linger tho...bring on the spring please...