Murray Orchard visited Cliffe Pools between 14:20 and 17:00 on 24th January, when it was cold and overcast, but calm, with rain arriving at dusk. He took counts of birds on all pools/quarries - focussed on diving ducks, so most dabblers not counted. 434 Shoveler (343 on RSPB reserve), 637 Pochard (including 79 on RSPB reserve and 436 on Alpha Pool. Two "drake Lesser Scaup" aythya hybrids; one on Timber Lake and one on Ski Pool), 268 Tufted Duck (52 on RSPB reserve), 1 Scaup (female/juvenile on Alpha Pool), 8 Goldeneye (birds dispersed, incomplete count; 4 drakes on Radar Pool), 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Barn Owl (hunting Black Barn Pools at dusk). Murray recorded his sightings on the KOS website which they have kindly agreed for us to share with you. To access their website, please follow this link www.birdgroups.co.uk/kos/News.asp