December walk to East Park

The last walk to East Park for the year, the forecast announced drizzle and rain later in the morning, so I got up in the dark to make the most of it, but, fortunately, there was no rain in the end, although it was overcast all morning. There were 7 Mute Swans on the lake, three pairs, one of them with a juvenile, with one cob doing a lot of busking (top shot).

There were a minimum of 16 Goosanders, although a local said earlier someone had counted 60 (!), many Tufted Ducks, three Shovelers and two drake Pochards sleeping under the willows of the central island. I was lucky to spot a Little Grebe in between the willows. The tame Gadwall has stayed and was being fed with ducks and gulls.

A very nice surprise was a Treecreeper travelling with a mixed tit flock. Later on,

One of at least 5 Goldcrests near the cafe. It was chasing another individual, with crest all erect, with the other individual keeping it flat.

Two Mistle Thrushes were on the rowan bushes at the east end of the park, with Blackbirds and at least a single Redwing. This one was very watchful and flew to a high tree rattling. A Sparrowhawk passed over shortly after.

Redwing

The tide was almost low when I returned via Wilmington Bridge and 7 Dunlin were feeding in two groups with one Redshank.

Dunlin.

A total of 41 species for the visit, matching the highest number in a visit this year.