It was a bright and chilly morning at Cliffe today. Most of the ditches and Black Barn pools were frozen over and generally there were fewer birds visible than normal.

A single Sanderling was notable on the beach at Flamingo, alongside a Grey Plover and small numbers of Lapwing, Redshank and Curlew.

Goldeneye numbers have increased with the cold weather and 13 were seen today (including 5 males)

Most birds seemed to prefer the adjacent Cliffe Creek with Teal (268) and Black-tailed godwit (8) of particular note.

There were 3 Corn Buntings on a bush near Black Barn and a large flock (100+) of Fieldfare roving across the site. Most birds on the Radar pools were confined to the central causeways, which made accurate counts difficult.

But Greylag geese numbers have increased to 151 and among these were Pintail (20), Teal (135)and Wigeon (22).

Coot continue to rule the roost on Radar pool. I estimated 450 birds, for a bird that is often ignored they make quite a spectacle.

By Peter Beckenham, Residential Volunteer Northward Hill