Old Moor News - 2nd February

A bitterly cold day today at Old Moor but we were all warmed up when a Smew was found on the Wader Scrape at 2pm, opinion suggested it was an immature male and it seemed quite content resting then diving and catching plenty of fish. I stayed while dark and it roosted on one of the small islands with Goosanders which numbered 57 (46 on Wader Scrape and 11 on Mere). Waxwings put in a good show today aswell, not many, 12 was the best count I think but they gave superb views near the car park feeders for long periods. Great news for all the photographers. Also near the feeders were 6 Brambling. On Broomhil Flash were 4 Goldeneye (2 pairs) and on Wombwell Ings 7 Grey Herons. There were 3 Goldeneye (1 drake) and 1 Shelduck on the Mere and 26 Shoveler on the Main Marsh. 2 Redshank on the Wader Scrape and 12 Golden Plover in with the Lapwings. A Bittern was heard on the Reedbeds this evening and also a Barn Owl.