The target was the Pink Footed Goose, recently seen around the goose fields of holyfield, however 2 hours walking resulted in just 200+ Canada geese, 6 Greylag geese & 16 Eygptian geese, with no sign of the target!
Red legged partridge were in evidence again around the farm and a Sparrow-hawk flushed up 30+ Chaffinch (still no Bramblings).
Distantly a large bird flew over Galley wood, this buzzard sized bird turned out to be a Raven! increasingly sighted over the last couple of years, it was none the less a surprise sighting.
With an hour before dusk I walked around Seventy Acres Lake heading home, I was immediately greeted by a flock of 40 or so Greylags which nosily alighted on the water, and among them was a White Fronted Goose.
The size of the bird was immediately apparent, although it was unusual in not showing a much white around the bill, and little to no barring on the uderbelly. The bird appeared to be a first winter and was a much welcome year tick.
Joined on the water by 4 Smew, including 2 drakes, these birds finally showed close enough for a record shot. The cracked porcelain beauty's always are a highlight of any day.
I waited till dark in the hope of Woodcock, but had to be content with a Bittern flying to it's roost!
Not a bad way to end another good day in the Valley.
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