It’s turning out to be a good winter for small finches: 160 Siskin and 15 Lesser Redpoll in the alder woods, plus occasional glimpses of a Water Rail.  

  The fourth record of Great White Egret over the Lye Valley in the last 6 weeks, but only the fifth ever. The same regular commuting bird? 

  Great White Egret, circling over the Lye Valley, then drifted east towards Shotover Hill. The second site record here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S151930946

  Adult male Sparrowhawk, also the first Lesser Redpoll and Siskin of the autumn overhead. 

1 Little Egret strolling around the golf course this morning.   

Finally, a Water Rail in the Lye Valley, Headington. It only took 427 patch visits!   

Firecrest c09:39 (per Tom Bedford).

  One of two Woodcock present this morning. At least one Common Snipe remains, but no sign of the Jack Snipe.  Jack Snipe video from Wednesday 14th by Badger.

  Yesterday a photograph from a member of the public emerged of a Jack Snipe in the ponds at the top of the Lye Valley, which was taken on Sunday.…

  A dusting of snow and finally some cold weather movement: 12 Golden Plover flew over the Lye Valley in Oxford this morning, a long-anticipated new addition to the patch list.  https://ebird.org/checklist/S123851327