Jan 26th

The new patch boundaries are indeed proving more productive for species as predicted. The PatchBirding total currently stands on 98 species 120 pts, which is about 10 species up from last year at the same stage. Birds such as Bearded Tit, Water Rail, Little Egret and Cettis Warbler are the difference but I still havent seen a Sparrowhawk or Bullfinch. The boundary change may cost me Yellowhammer and Little Owl but the gained species like those above from Carlton should more than make up for it. Highlights on the patch so far this year have included Glossy Ibis, Siberian Chiffchaff, Velvet Scoter, Great Skua, Firecrest, Nuthatch, Little Gull, Purple Sand and Eider.