11th December 2016 - Light SW Cool 3C cloudy and overcast.

The female KESTREL was again hunting over the junction of Uffmoor Lane and Manor Way at first light.
A RAVEN was calling from the Northern end of Uffmoor Wood, and a Goldcrest was heard at Field Cottage Farm.
A RAVEN was honking at The Wesley's by the field up to Walton hill.
At Walton Hill Jay and 2+ Bullfinch were noted and a Mistle Thrush was singing on the North west bank.
An amazing flock of 6 CROSSBILL, were seen and heard calling as they moved in a North - Easterly arc over the North end of Walton Hill. It seemed that they had lifted from the Western ridge, in a similar area to where the single bird was picked up last month. are these birds on the move, or just local explorers from deeper into Worcestershire/Wyre Forest?
Heading further along the main woodland path towards the hide, GREEN WOODPECKER and MALE PHEASANT were noted in the field between the plantations, with 4 Bullfinch nearby.
At the bracken bank on the South end of Walton Hill, TREECREEPER, Nuthatch, 2+ Bullfinch, 2+ Goldcrest, Long tailed Tit and Coal Tit were together, and at the feeding station, 2 Nuthatch and 3+ Coal Tit were present.
A Grey Wagtail lifted off the brook at The Vine Pub and a female SPARROWHAWK was being mobbed by a crow as it passed over St Leonard's Church. A Male Kestrel lifted off a fence post in paddocks to the North of Walton Pool lane. A Greenfinch was present and heavy mole activity was also noted.
C25 Linnet and c10 Goldfinch were near Walton & Moor Pool farm. On the Kale field there were 15+ MEADOW PIPIT and 80+ LINNET! Great to find the first notable finch flock on the patch!
After speaking to a local, I was guided towards Moor Hall Farm and the pools. This felt an exciting area and there was much anticipation as I made my way towards the main buildings. My attention was obviously drawn to the pools which looked quite a size. 2 YELLOWHAMMER along the path by the Paddocks was a welcome find. Upon scanning the larger pool, I was amazed to pick up a pair of WIGEON, and then a pair of TEAL. The hairs on the back of the neck were up, which most "patchers" can relate to. Things got better as LITTLE GREBE was spotted fishing near the far bank. These three species were not even on my list of patch "possibles" having not realised that these pools were here! 4 male and a female TUFTED DUCK, 8 Coot, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Moorhen and 10+ Mallard were also noted.
A Buzzard, 40+ Redwing and C15 Linnet were around the Hall.
The next surprise was had when 40+ Stock Dove were picked up in a mixed flock that also contained Feral Pigeon and a few Woodpigeon in the large field between the Hall and Stourbridge Road.
A Grey Heron was in the field by the small pool and stream at Shut Mill Lane and at Washwood Heath Road, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit and Goldcrest were all heard calling.
This was just one of those days that really brought out the pleasure and excitement that comes whilst exploring nature on a local patch! AWESOME!