Eccleston Mere

Siskin 60
Goldfinch 50
Water Rail 1 in SW corner
Snipe 3
Bullfinch 1
Tufted Duck 2
Little Grebe 1 juv.

I need to start thinking of some new words, I'm starting to over use the word "glorious", but quite honestly that's exactly what it was yet again today. I think the weather since August has been great. The finch flock in the alders along the stream was a great sight, the Siskins glowed yellow like canaries in the bright sunlight with a beautiful blue sky behind them, and the Goldfinches hung like natural Christmas decorations from the branches.

In the south west corner, the Water Rail scurried away from me into hiding in a bramble patch. This is the first time I've seen it in a few weeks, presumably it's the same bird, but it's being elusive this winter. Perhaps it's because there is so much water around, it has plenty of choice and can therefore keep away from the path when feeding.