The cold snap has certainly got things on the move. Smew numbers rose from the five we have had for most of the winter to 17 yesterday, including two drakes. Four female and one male goosander are on Burrowes pit today along with about a dozen pintails and increased numbers of gadwall and shoveler. Finch numbers have also increased with small flocks of chaffinches and greenfinches (quite an unusual sight in recent times) coming to the car park feeders.
At the ARC site two bitterns were showing off in front of the hide this morning having ventured from the icy reedbeds. A possible green-winged teal was reported about an hour ago but it seems it might be a hybrid - watch this space.