Bolton Ings - 25th February

Loads of birds this morning on Bolton Ings, in stark contrast to 3 weeks ago when it was 90% frozen. No ice or frost this morning 8c but quite windy making lots of the ducks sheltering and difficult to count. Highlights being my first curlew of year flying west at 9.30, 6 Goldeneye and 515 Black Headed Gulls (my highest count ever). Full list as follows, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 26, Grey Lag Goose 4, Great Crested Grebe 3, Little Grebe 6, Cormorant 25, Mallard 12, Teal 9, Gadwall 37, Wigeon 12, Shoveler 5, Tufted Duck 59, Pochard 17, Goldeneye 6(1 drake), Goosander 8, Coot 191, Moorhen 6, Black Headed Gull 515, Common Gull 24, LBB Gull 1, Curlew 1, Green Sandpiper 2, Redshank 3, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 5, Sparrowhawk 2, Kestrel 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Skylark 2.