I was moderately pleased with the images of the drake Green-winged Teal that I  managed on Tuesday but wildfowl on grey water does not exactly float my boat, so to speak. So last Friday, 17th, I returned with the sun shining - blue water!!!

A definite improvement.

Nothing was showing further up the dam so we left. A mistake. Just the other side of the water tower, the juvenile Great Northern Diver was reported feeding close in to the dam. B****R!!!

Anyway, we had been informed that Lesser Redpolls has been photographed at the RSPB HQ The Lodge Sandy so off we went. I have not been there for several years. Apparently the original hide has been removed and not replaced. We were directed to a small pool with a screen amongst trees so, despite the sunny weather, was in the shade.

Trying to make the best of things, I concentrated on the usual woodland birds dropping in for a drink and a bathe. Coal Tit

Great Tit

and Blue Tit.

a female Pheasant was limping around the far side of the pool allowing a close head shot.

and, at last, a couple of Lesser Redpolls dropped in.

Later on, a pair of Siskins also flew in for a drink.

So no earth shattering photos from here. I do not know why the original hide was removed but this latest set-up is a very poor substitute. I will not visit again in a hurry!!!!