17 degrees, damp, overcast and calm. 0730/1000 hrs.

The path between Chatterton and Alderbottom (sculpture trail) and surounding area has been left uncut and ungrazed all year, it is now a mass of Thistle, Hawthorn, Bramble, Elderberry and of course Balsam and is wet underfoot, that said it is not used and has been very good for wildlife.

This morning being exceptionail...I did not record all numbers.

Blue Tit....20+.

Great Tit....30+

Coal Tit....there were over a dozen in one hawthorn.

Long-tailed Tit....one flock of 14

Nuthatch....3.

Treecreeper....2.

Goldcrest...at least 3.

Robin....many.

Wren....many.

Blackbird...many.

Willow Warbler....5 could be more.

Chiffchaff.....at least 2.

Blackcap... 2 females 1 Male, possibly more.

Siskin....12+.

Bullfinch...more than six including some juvinile.

Jay...4

Great Spotted Woodpecker.....1

Magpie...3

Wood Pigeon...many.

Grey Heron.... 1

Notable absentees were Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Song Thrush.

Regards Brian.