Report from Roger Lane. (21st Dec 2009)

"At Par today, (21stDec'09, the shortest day?) it was cold with the Pool still 80% frozen. However, there were 3 x Shoveler (2male & 1 fem) in the ice-free areas. Did I miss them yesterday I wonder !
In Par Bay were the 'usual' 2 x GNDivers and 8 of the 9 GCGrebes. Because the tide was further out (late aft.) there was a sprinkling of waders in Par Rivermouth, including the usual Oystercatchers; 10+, Turnstones and 1 Redshank (doubtles from the few wintering in the inner harbour). Also the two L.Egrets flew up the Par River. All really rather disappointing, had expected more variety in this extremely cold weather."

Thanks for the report Roger.
I missed the Shoveler when I visited at 10.00hrs yesterday...maybe they hadn't yet arrived.