9th January

Lovely bright and calm conditions tempted out a few more observers today, with singles of Chiffchaff at the Bill, Fieldfare at Southwell and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Pennsylvania Castle either new arrivals or on show for the first time in a while; the Purple Sandpipers at the Bill have also increased in recent days, with 6 counted today. A selection of the regulars making the list included 7 Red-throated Divers and a Common Scoter through off the Bill, 3 Short-eared Owls and 3 Redwings at the Bill, 2 Blackcaps at Southwell and 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and the Black Redstart at Pennsylvania Castle/Church Ope Cove.

Fieldfare and Blackcap making use of the ready supply of apples at Southwell © Debby Saunders: