In an attempt to show that the reserve is not totally devoid of birds, I've compiled a list of species seen by several observers who went round this morning before the rain arrived at 10.30. Most of these were seen by Ade Cooper in about two hours.
Grey heron Teal Mallard Common buzzard Water rail Moorhen Black-headed gull Common gull Lesser black-backed gull Stock dove Woodpigeon Collared dove Barn owl Kingfisher Green woodpecker Wren Dunnock Robin Blackbird Fieldfare Song thrush Goldcrest Long-tailed tit Blue tit Great tit Treecreeper Magpie Jackdaw Rook Carrion crow Starling Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Bullfinch Reed bunting (36 species)
Regular visitors will see that the list doesn't include several species that have been seen in the last week or two, such as Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Grey partridge, Jay, Great spotted woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Redwing, Siskin, Cetti's warbler, Yellowhammer, Corn bunting.
Just a bit further afield, I saw an adult Yellow-legged gull near the airfield yesterday, and there was a chiffchaff in my garden in Fowlmere this morning.
So, the birds are out there...
Happy New Year!