Our last outing for the year was to Marbury Park on the 28th. We had hoped to see both the Hawfinches and the Bittern that had been seen there in recent days. Unfortunately we didn’t see either and nobody else we met had either. Some birders who had seen both knew exactly where to find them but they just weren’t there. Hopefully we can get the Hawfinches there in the New Year. Mosre disappointing was nto seeing the Bittern in the usual reed bed; in part because, incredibly, we had not seen a Bittern this year !. It is hard to imagine how that is possible considering all the places we have been to this year.
So the day was just a pleasant walk with one or two highlights, such as a nice group of Goosander on the Mere and a Reed Bunting. We even got a Kingfisher – only my second this year; the first being just a couple of weeks ago.
There were a few Redwing around and Mistle and Song Thrushes and we also got a vouple of cheery Bullfinches. Otherwise, not much more than a nice walk on a cold but dry and pleasant day and a bit of a chance to get some fresh air after Christmas.