30th Dec

While most of the surrounding towns and villages are covered in mist and fog Astbury was bathed in early morning sunshine . A couple of Redwing were feeding on berries in the car park , while out on the water was a pair of Wigeon. I think this is our only record this year and the male looked stunning in the early sunshine. They stayed in the middle which made photography difficult , but I managed some record shots.The three Little Grebe's are still present along with a single drake Pochard . A couple of Siskin were seen drinking from the side of the lake as two Jays were squabbling nearby.

Pair Wigeon.

Pair Wigeon .

Wigeon are scarce visitors to this site and are always nice to see with only a handful of records over the past ten years , and this being the only one this year. If you have any sightings please e mail them in to .......astburywildlife@yahoo.co.uk