Misty Monday Morning

A walk along the Nene this morning between the north and south bridges at Oundle where a heavy frost had turned the world white. Lots of mist clinging to the river, in some stretches is was the thinnest of drifting veils while in others it billowed as thick as smoke. With the rising sun shining through it on to the calm surface it made the river look like molten gold and while interesting birds were in short supply the conditions were so beautiful it really didn't matter at all.

A couple of river views.

My birding began in Oundle churchyard where thrushes were feeding on the Yew berries and were joined by some finches - Green unfortunately! From here it was on to the river walk and a procession of Mallards, Moorhens and the occasional startled Heron. Canada Geese were the commonest birds while a territorial dispute between some Mute Swans provided something to watch.

Mute Swan.

Passerines seemed scarce with Wrens among the more noticeable while thrushes passed overhead, their calls are so evocative of winter days. Both Siskins and Redpolls were noted in small numbers with Goldfinches and Bullfinches appearing more frequently. A Sparrowhawk attracted the attentions of a Carrion Crow, it was one of few raptors seen today. The Princess fishing lake next to the marina and the marina itself were partially iced over and so were the lakes at Barnwell except for the largest.

Kingfisher.

A Kingfisher showed well near to Oundle Mill while the feeders at Lowlands Hide in the country park did not attract quite as many birds as usual though the Nuthatches were frequent visitors during my time there. An immature drake Goosander on the lake nearest to the town was a pleasant surprise and my first here but there were not many other birds here, a few gulls, a Tufted Duck and three Gadwalls making up the rest of the list.

Immature drake Goosander.