Bretton 15-10-14.

First visit of autumn/winter produced a juv. Scaup feeding among the goosanders but it could not be relocated after a circular walk round the lakes. Most of the birds were on the lower lake which had 7 Mandarins with 4 drakes seen. Possibly more as they like the cover on the islands. They all were shy and wary. Counts were Great C. Grebe 23, Goosander 17 all females, Cormarant 64, Tufted Duck 14, Gadwall 29, Shoveler 4, Teal 8, Little Grebe 7, Mute Swan 8, Wigeon 11, Kingfisher 5, Siskin 6, 1 pair of Sparrowhawks. This morning around 250 Pinkfeet went e. over Shafton village club at 11am.