Cliffe Pools

 At the RSPB reserve today. Large number of fieldfares on estuary fields also some redwings about. On the mudflats: large number of avocets, sandpipers and teal.  Also saw a kingfisher an egret and a single reed bunting.

Snow

 With a covering of snow this morning, it was with some surprise that I saw a large flock of finches (probably linnets) on the field in front of the house. This field is not being currently cultivated and must have a substantial store of wild seeds, but surely mainly beneath the snow. The finches however, seemed to be capable of finding food on this exposed area.

Later, on a local golf course, many redwings were flying between trees though I did not see them feeding at all. Then a sparrow hawk flew across in hot pursuit of a finch. Both birds disappeared into some trees so I failed to see the outcome.