Song Thrushes

Littlestone Beach - 0930hrs - cold, sunny, se 4 - Had a run out with the Joker this morning commencing at the Varne for the Snow Buntings, of which there was no sign, except for a brief snatch of call. The tide was perfect for shorebirds and we noted 9 out of 10 with just Knot eluding us. Close views were had of Redshank, Barwit, Sanderling, Turnstone, Grey and Ringed Plovers. Song Thrush was bird of the day as they seemed to be everywhere, even in my back garden where they`re hardly ever seen.
RSPB - A stop by the gate delivered a mixed flock of 200 diving ducks on New Diggings that included 10 Smews and 3 Goldeneyes. Also noted Little and Great White Egrets, Water Rail and a Merlin over. ARC was partially iced and there was little to be seen from the causeway road except for the unusual sight of a Chiffchaff flying over the lake. From Hanson a couple of hundred Wigeon, Teal and Gadwall on the ice, plus 6 Goldeneyes on open water, Goldcrest on Willow Trail, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At Boulderwall the usual Tree Sparrows on the feeders.
Scotney -  Plenty of birds here on the grass comprising mainly feral geese (Bar-headed included), Wigeon, Lapwing and Teal (CP had 3 Bean Geese earlier), plus several Dunlin and Golden Plover.

                                Feral Geese, Scotney

Galloways - A circuit of the range road produced a field full of Lapwings, Goldies, Fieldfares, 10 Skylarks and a Stonechat.
ps: The Snow Buntings were relocated in the afternoon back at the Varne (PB, MH et al).