If the weather keeps on like this, we're going to run out of superlatives! The lakes are now 90% frozen over, with only small patches of water being kept open by the feeding activities of the coots, swans and other waterfowl.
A co-ordinated count of the bitterns, this afternoon, confirmed at least 8 birds to be present. The best locations were Drayton Lagoon (4) and Oxholme Lake (3) - one bird spending most of the day sitting up in the willow bushes on the Drayton Lagoon island for all to see. One bird was seen feeding along the edge of Ferry Mere.
The starlings, although reduced in numbers to around 2,000 still put on a good show, as did the 2 sparrowhawks that made a kill apiece. The chosen roost site was amongst the reeds at the Ferry Pond, but not before they flew over Holywell Lake several times first. Whilst watching the starlings flying over Holywell Lake, a woodcock flew across and landed amongst the trees on the eastern side.
Other sightings today included the drake smew still on Swavesey Lake, with 5 black-tailed godwits there; 4 goosanders flying along the river Great Ouse; 2 little egrets over Drayton Lagoon; water rail; and barn owl.
I've added a photograph of one of the bitterns, taken by local photographer Garth Peacock, to the Gallery.