High Pressure moves in and spring birds arrive

The sudden change from torrential rain squalls on Tuesday and Wednesday to silent morning mists giving way to warm sunshine on Friday 11th March 2016 was dramatic on the riverside.

The ground was littered with small twigs and branches from the old trees - just self-pruning - and after a very quiet start in dense mist, the morning turned into a fine day. Birds on the riverside woke up and burst into song, crowding into the sun-lit branches from their sheltered roosts.

Green shoots appearing amongst the bare branches on the river bank

In the background, high volume singing - and a high level of activity too - there was no wind to

carry unwanted noise across. Under the trees, cow parsley was showing its brilliant green leaves.The first signs of spring were suddenly appearing - from a bridge over the Arun a chiffchaff could be seen silently foraging for insects in the bank side trees, then a grey wagtail appeared flying rapidly upstream, calling as it came out from under the bridge, low over the surface of the water. It turned and returned to fly under the bridge then emerged again, this time followed closely by another grey wagtail.

Viewed form above, they are unmistakable, with very long tails. They both turned again and as

they did so a fine kingfisher flew up from the bank into a low tree. Perhaps their loud calls had disturbed it from its perch on a branch overlooking the river. Higher up, three long-tailed tits were chasing each other through the branches, whilst the grey wagtails continued skimming the river. This was all happening within a few minutes - less that five. 

More long-tailed tits (total 16) were seen elsewhere along the river, in ones and twos, then activity in the dense brambles revealed concerted nest-building. Three birds were contributing to the building of a very well-camouflaged nest, coming and going continuously at times all converging with nest material

with three tails visible as they added interior nest lining materials. The extra 'helper' will leave and may possibly return later to help the parents feed the young. I haven't seen 'helpers' helping with the building of a nest before, but this would speed up the long laborious work which can take two weeks to complete. Further along the river, more nesting was well underway, with good views of a long-tailed with it's beak full of soft feathers, provided by a preening wood pigeon in the same tree. 

Blue tits (47) were very active but are in no hurry to start nesting, although some time is spent prospecting for suitable locations. One was seen bathing in the river under some tree roots, almost swimming in the moving water. A minute later it was seen again, soaking wet flying up onto a sunlit branch to preen and dry out. Very smart great tits (21) were making thorough inspections of nest holes in old tree trunks or calling loudly from any perch where they could be seen and heard. Soft calls were heard in an old hedgerow where it joined the river bank then a female bullfinch emerged from the twigs and ivy, intent on foraging on the leaf buds, then a few minutes later a smart male bullfinch appeared in the same area, it's colours gleaming when it moved out of the shade.

Blackbirds were very numerous again today (34), foraging on the grass and chasing into the brambles, some alarm calls were hear and short bursts of song but no long songs yet, they seem to be preoccupied with feeding in damp shady areas. House sparrows prefer dry, warm sunny locations and today there were at least 120 in various groups along the river, some in hedges and ivy, others in the Blackthorn, 12 feeding on insects low on the river bank, about 15 sharing a hedge with starlings, all singing loudly, others in a dense bramble patch and lastly, as I was leaving, about 8 sitting, sunbathing with wings spread out, on branches of a tree in a hedge which was in full sun. Starlings were seen in good numbers (at least 70), some sharing the sunny sides of thickets with the house sparrows, all singing, whilst others shared trees with singing goldfinches (at least 35). High up in a tree about 12 linnets were singing too which formed quite a varied chorus with all the songs combined. They definitely don't fall silent in the presence of other bird species singing but join with them regardless. Calling chaffinches were heard and seen in small numbers (6), not yet singing full songs when they will make themselves more visible and 3 greenfinches, one calling, were seen.

Robins today were obviously prospecting for suitable nest sites whilst taking time off to make sure they were heard and seen by every bird on the riverside (30), perching on mossy branches in the shade and bare willows in the sun.

Wrens (23), far more secretive than the robins were however still easily visible and singing loudly from the undergrowth, tree roots and low branches over the river.  

Slow-moving clouds crossed the sky from the north but there was no wind to move the branches down on the river or send birds to shelter and hide. Carrion crows (18) called, sat preening or collected moss and twigs for nest-building whilst black-headed gulls (27) were wheeling in the air and landing on the grass, in various stages of assuming their summer plumage - soon they'll be off to breed nearer the coast and will only return in the autumn. Nine noisy jackdaws appeared from the treetops in the distance and three rooks flew over, not landing. Only four herring gulls were seen in the air, more were probably foraging on the bare ground out of sight. Magpies (4) were quiet with nests to build.

Song thrushes (8) were singing loudly in their territories along the river course, quite spread out with voices carrying far in the still air. Over the river bank and out low over the grass - a Red Admiral   - the first butterfly seen this year - it had probably over-wintered in a warm spot. Nearby a dunnock flew up form the river and perched close to me whilst two more chased each other on the opposite bank and several others were heard singing well, visible in the bare branches (7) and a single treecreeper was seen moving higher up then disappeared, dropping down into the roots. A great spotted woodpecker flew over from the north into its roost/nest tree, silent, unlike the nuthatches (6) most calling loudly, each defending its territory and a pair close together in the same tree. With successful breeding

over last summer their numbers are increasing and suitable local territories are hard won. 

The sun was still shining when, following the fox path in the grass along the margin of the bramble patch, I heard the yaffle of a green woodpecker (but no rain in the offing) then further along, where the banks were steep I heard a mallard murmuring softly and glimpsed a pair paddling upstream then a few minutes later heard a very loud disturbance of splashing water and flapping wings - three more mallard and another two in the air (total 7).

Lastly the smallest and the largest birds on the riverside today - in the conifers, two coal tits were foraging and 7 goldcrests at least. No distracting movement from branches swaying in the wind meant that the rapid movements of the tiny birds amongst the dark evergreen foliage were more easily

 detected. 

Later a kestrel dropped down onto the wild field where it must have caught a small mammal as it stayed down, only just visible for a second in the long grasses, then remained hidden.

Listening to a song thrush, I heard buzzards calling and looked up - there were two buzzards displaying, approaching and circling each other, touching in vertical flight gradually drifting beyond the tree line together with a third buzzard which was gliding at a higher altitude.  

 Ground-ivy, a plant of the mint family, comes into flower:

The North Wind arrives at last

The last day of February, wildlife adapts to the north wind. A few redwing are still with us, waiting now for a favourable wind from the south west to speed them on their migration. Winter migrant blackcaps were last seen feeding here in mid-February when the weather was just right for the journey back but larger migrants obviously decided to stay longer.

Today the riverside thickets and trees were full of song again, a song thrush singing strongly close to a tree full of singing goldfinches joined by starlings.

 but other signs of spring are now appearing:

The first flowers of the Lesser Celandine are shining amongst last years fallen leaves

and Snowdrops are flourishing where just a few days ago the river banks were bare stalks, mud and fast-flowing water.

Although the chill factor of the north wind is well below freezing, the sun, when it appears, has more strength and warms the sheltered river banks for longer at this time of the year which encourages growth and flowering. Insects emerge and find nectar and the river water begins to warm up, rousing the aquatic life on the river bed.

Wrens and Raptors

February 2016 - weather has proved to be as erratic as that of January and just one day, Friday 19th February was a good example. Early morning and the promise of a fine day ahead with no wind, quite warm in the sun. The riverside still very bare but with more fresh green growth on the banks and in a few very sheltered places overhanging the river the Blackthorn was already in blossom, twigs heavy with a strange mix of lichen, buds and flowers.

Blackthorn blossom over the fast-running river

It was still frosty in the shade underfoot - a welcome change from the usual deep mud and the clear blue sky had awakened birds to the coming spring - the riverside suddenly became full of song as soon as the sun hit the trees and thickets. A complete change today as wren song dominated along the river course. Robins were singing loudly too but last month they had sung unopposed, except by each other.

Another sound indicative of spring was the call of great tits which have long been silent but now seemed to be everywhere.

House sparrows (70) were immediately heard, at first in the sunlit hedgerows, pairs chasing, diving into the riverbank undergrowth where they were completely hidden, then out again across the river - still chasing, with more singing amongst the dense ivy together with starlings. Robins (26) were again singing, most individuals selecting prime sunlit branches where their colour shone - they couldn't be missed, especially amongst the Blackthorn blossom. Other individuals could be found in their usual territories of bramble thickets and hollies. Wrens (21) were now singing loudly, out-singing the robins in places - and most were easily seen amongst the bare twigs and last-years stalks of river bank vegetation.

Starlings (47) were now in singing mode too, uttering a confusing mixture of calls, whistling, warbling, clicking and even trying an imitation of the yaffle of a green woodpecker - but could not match the force of voice which the woodpecker uses to make itself heard over long distances.
Suddenly a real green woodpecker yaffled loudly from the long grass across the river - Rain!
The morning was still sunny at this stage but the low rainclouds were advancing. Another green woodpecker was heard further along the river (2)  - they can't be wrong….and weren't.
There was a huge amount of activity amongst the blue tits (about 50) and great tits (19) whilst the sun still shone, with many now singing, the blue tits mostly bickering and alarm-calling whilst the great tits were all singing their strong spring songs, one of the best indicators that the winter is receding here on the river. Long-tailed tits (12) don't indulge in song-posing but usually use contact calls whilst foraging in groups, although today were seen foraging and investigating possible nest-sites in small groups of two or three - another sign of spring. Dark conifers appeared to be empty of life but tiny movements in the shadows turned out to be four goldcrests foraging, occasionally lit up by the sun. When the rain came, the conifers were the best places to find shelter, ivy and hollies a good alternative.
A brightly coloured bird appeared overhead and flew high into a maple - a redwing - perhaps it was looking out for more redwings to join the migration back north - they are well-fed, no shortage of food here this winter. Song thrushes (6) were seen today foraging under hedgerows and on the grass but only one was singing - it's voice carrying far along the course of the river. Blackbirds were still numerous (34) some of which are winter visitors which will also be returning across the cold seas. They were just about everywhere, but none singing, all but one intent on feeding up. The odd one was on the grass spreading out its tail and wings in the sun - but even this one soon detected an earthworm and quickly pounced. Two dunnock were quietly foraging under a tree whilst chaffinches (7) and greenfinches (2) flew from tree to tree,  one chaffinch calling softly as it flew and another called more loudly. Goldfinches (27) are far more numerous here - and today were mainly occupying a large ivy-covered tree in the hedgerow, singing continuously. Just one very elusive male bullfinch was calling from the back of a hedge and remained in the shadows. A noise on the river and a moorhen flew up with splashing feet - and further along - a peaceful scene - three mallard - two males and one female were sitting in the sun on a sheltered bend in the river on the muddy bank at a drain. They usually frequent the drainage basin but the wind had suddenly swept up waves on the exposed water causing them to find a warmer spot to sit and preen. Pairs of carrion crows (12) were obviously prospecting for nest sites, facing up to loudly cursing magpies (7) intent on establishing their own sites. Woodpigeons (50) were active in riverside trees trying to reach the very last remaining ivy berries, feeding on fields or lazing in the sun on branches, preening, whilst a few herring gulls (11) flew over. Black-headed gulls (23)  arrived and came in to land on the short grass to feed, all except one still in winter plumage.
Amongst the old trees on the bank nuthatches were calling and foraging, six in total but in three separate locations, probably pairs with territories well established by now, giving loud warning calls as soon as a stranger is detected. Two great spotted woodpeckers were about as well, one flew over my head into an oak, uttering a short call as it landed and a silent jay flew off into a nearby hedge.

Starlings on the old 'Heron Oak' over the river face into the wind.

The dark clouds were rapidly approaching, with a squall sending me to shelter under a leaning ivy-clad tree for a short while. It was noticeable that again the riverside fell quiet then came to life immediately the sun reappeared. Good for raptors too as the sun was strong enough to set up thermals.
A very fine close view of a common buzzard gliding leisurely low across the trees over the river, circling over me, eyes fixed on the wild field below. Upstream a sparrow hawk  flew fast and high -it had decided not to bother the buzzard. The best view today was good news; looking up into an old oak where several grey squirrels were chasing,  a kestrel flew down and landed in the same tree very close to me, settling on a branch, looking down intently onto the 'reptile field' below for small mammals in the long grasses, then eventually flew off and around the same trees, circling as the buzzard had done over the river margin.

January - and Winter still to come

The end of January already and apart from a few hours now and again, the weather has remained mild, windy and wet. How is this affecting wildlife here along the river?

Yesterday 30th January was mild and breezy but the wind turned later in the day towards  WNW bringing cooler air and clearer skies for a while.

Turning back towards the setting sun after surveying the wildlife activity on 30th January 2016

the landscape certainly looked wintery, most birds were roosting by 4pm - apart from robins and song thrushes.

After a very wet day  on 29th- today was very fine, not frosty but breezy with small clouds scudding across the blue sky under a low sun. The river was running fast and muddy, a meter or so below the banks. Here and there dog rose branches over-arching the water still held a profusion of rose hips.
Signs of spring were scarce, the landscape remaining very bare apart from Hazel catkins and small bright green shoots of wild Garlic merging from the bare river-washed earth under trees. Ponds and
drainage basins are now well filled and are proving very popular with birds.
Being early afternoon, it was not the optimum time of day to do a survey but it seemed to be the only window in the forecast for continuing overcast, windy and wet days to come.
The busy chatter of house sparrows greeted me on the riverside, the blackthorn thicket being the most popular, crowded out with birds all jostling for suitable perches in the sun but sheltered from the wind. Continuous movement throughout the thicket meant it was difficult to count them but the total for house sparrows present all along the river was around 90. In several places they were joined by singing starlings (c40) edging in to share sunlit branches. They enjoy each other's company during the day.
Some house sparrows were taking off from twigs, making short circular flights and returning - were they catching insects which had emerged in the sunshine? Probably.
Blue tits (40) and great tits (16) were present in most places with great tits just starting to call amongst the trees. Four long-tailed tits were seen high in the tree canopy with more probably foraging unseen.
Nearby, chaffinches (5) and greenfinches (2) were quite static, calling occasionally whilst goldfinches (14 or more) were gathered together in an ivy-covered tree across the river, singing.
In the air, about 20 black-headed gulls were gliding over, heading south, checking out their grass field, deciding against landing, Saturday afternoon not being a good time for undisturbed foraging.
A few (10) herring gulls flew across, bypassing two rooks and three jackdaws, whilst about 50 woodpigeons were scattered in trees and on the fields in sheltered areas. Two collared doves were foraging amongst the Ivy, reaching out for Ivy berries - it is strange how their population explosion several years ago ended so quickly, perhaps being outnumbered by the increase in the population of wood pigeons moving in when their natural farmland habitat and source of food was destroyed.
Five magpies were moving along through the trees and two pairs of carrion crows flew out of the Blackthorn with no sign of desperate foraging - they are certainly not hungry. The fastest action seen this afternoon was from a hunting sparrowhawk zipping through the branches over the river, it was also the only raptor seen today.
By far the loudest song came from singing robins (27) positioned every few meters along the river course, some very close to each other. Two robins were seen about a meter apart in typical fighting poses - long necks, beaks pointing up to the sky, moving necks, tails raised, then a third appeared, perhaps a female, all three were very vocal. Songthrushes were also singing (6) keeping their distance from each other, voices carrying far. Blackbirds at this time of the day were silent (16) apart from some giving alarm calls. Most were busy pulling Ivy berries off dense mature growth whilst others were
having an easier time foraging on very damp grass and amongst the hedge undergrowth.

The Arun, excellent wildlife habitat in midwinter

Wrens (8) were quiet and not easily visible  today, almost as invisible as dunnocks although 3 were seen briefly before disappearing into the base of a hedge - but high calls in a conifer gave away 4 fast-moving goldcrests which have to forage more or less continuously in order to store enough energy for the coming night. Below them on the river a moorhen called and 3 mallard were seen sheltering amongst the Reedmace on the drainage basin.

Four nuthatches were seen, all calling in various locations along the river in the old trees, guarding their territories and reserved nest holes and a great-spotted woodpecker was heard calling several times. Lastly, amongst dense twigs and ivy-clad branches bordering the river, a female bullfinch was seen - moving briefly through a sunlit gap, then another, a male was seen following. These were quite silent, only given away by slight movements although once out of sight, one was heard calling softly. 

Last but not least, a pair of blackcaps flew in, chasing each other. Are they a pair which has come in from northern Europe for the winter, or are they a pair which decided to stay after most other summer blackcaps had left in the autumn? Normally, males and females are thought to separate and choose different migration destinations over the winter….

The sun wins for a while

At last, on 29th December 2015 the morning started with a blue sky, much brighter than usual but it was not long before the rain-bearing clouds sped in and it was a case of dodging showers.

A rare sight - the landscape with a sunlit oak, just seconds before it was plunged into semi-darkness!

Only 22mm of rain fell last night (28th December 2015) and the river was flowing fast and muddy but quite low. As usual over the past few days, it was not cold, but windy and overcast, with some blue sky just visible in the gaps. Hazel catkins were appearing on every Hazel tree and sapling and fresh green growth - young nettle leaves and cow parsley was sprouting amongst the deep 'compost' of fallen

leaves.

I had been walking for about 20minutes without seeing or hearing much activity along the river, except for a very welcome sound -   two green woodpeckers calling every few minutes, the 'yaffles' sounding louder as I got closer. It had quickly and steadily become darker….'False Roosting Time', dusk at 10.30am. The rain clouds closed in and I waited, sheltering amongst some bramble branches still with leaves in a hedge, close to the river bank.

 After a while the rain gave up and the sun suddenly appeared, lighting up the dripping branches. Moving under some ivy I stood still and watched. It was hard to believe that so many birds had been under cover, out of sight and mostly silent during the rain. Robins and blue tits and great tits were the first to appear amongst the branches of oaks and ash over the river, then several fieldfare moved in, clumsily climbing around to reach remaining berries and fruits whilst more agile blackbirds sped low across the banks. High up a carrion crow called and two goldcrests began to forage in the sunlit branches above me. 

Several redwings arrived, following each other behind the thickets and house sparrows started chatting in the dense hawthorn hedge where they had been sheltering. Suddenly a great spotted woodpecker called out from somewhere very close - showing well when it moved around an oak tree trunk towards me, in the sun. Then another appeared next to it - possibly a pair. A bullfinch male flew low across to the opposite bank, then a nuthatch called noisily, flying from oak to oak then move down into the sun onto an old wooden fence where it pecked at a wooden post joint - a very close view - it may have wedged an acorn into the joint in order to eat it. Just behind it in the grass a green woodpecker called  again and another was heard answering further away.

This was all happening in the same place, within a few minutes, triggered by the sunlight after the rain, I had not moved at all but had observed the activity from under the ivy-clad branches.

Taking advantage of the short spell of sunlight, I then continued along the river. Woodpigeons (30) were visible in the trees or flying up from the field to forage in the ivy for berries.

House sparrows were heard and seen in their usual hedgerows (43) and a total of 27 robins were recorded most in full song at quite close intervals. They do continue to sing during the rain if they have found good shelter such as a Holly bush. Evergreens are an essential part of the ecology of the river bank. Blackbirds were numerous too (32) many foraging under leaves but not yet singing, only alarm calls. Large numbers of blue tits (60) and great tits (22) some now calling were working their way along the banks, frequenting blackthorn where the twigs and branches are covered with lichen where they find insects under the layers. Clouds of insects (midges) had appeared after the rain over the water too, surviving in the warm climate.

In the air, herring gulls (14), jackdaws (2),  carrion crows (5) a rook and 4 magpies were seen flying across but no raptors were seen today. The winter black-headed gulls (14) were seen foraging on the grass and seem to spend very little time in the air and 2 collared doves were looking out from the ivy. Song thrushes (3) were seen amongst leaves on the bank but those singing remained unseen in the under storey. Chaffinches (4) were now calling but only 2 greenfinches were seen, they probably prefer dry habitats rather than wetlands.

A group of linnets (20) were seen flying together into a dense species-rich hedgerow which held several fieldfare (total 8 seen today). The redwing (6) were all seen in the first group of birds observed after the rain on the riverside as were the 2 great-spotted woodpeckers. Starlings were moving around in small groups (20) but not in their usual day roost as this was very exposed to the wind and rain today. Goldfinches (40) were also seen and heard in groups, moving round to find the best sunlit 

locations whilst long-tailed tits (16) were very active and easy to see - one family group in a bare polar tree and others heard first then seen directly overhead in the dense bare branches of the tree canopy. Goldcrests (4) had abandoned their usual conifers in favour of the outer branches of oaks giving very good views - and taking their place in the conifers were at least 2 very vocal coal tits. A single dunnock was perched in a small bare tree, commanding a silent vantage point whilst most wrens (8) remained hidden but singing. A very quiet call from a bullfinch revealed one on the bank near the dunnock (total 2), then a fine treecreeper flew up onto an oak tree trunk right in front of me, soon moving round to get to the sunny side out of view.

Green woodpeckers had started the morning's observations and loud calls were heard again as even darker rain clouds raced across towards us at the finish. (total 2) 

Hunkered down in the gales

The gales this winter seem to be continuous, with a thick layer of cloud and intermittent rain.

Today, Boxing Day 26th December 2015 was no exception. A quick check on the river levels, water quality and flow revealed the levels rising and water flowing fast, carrying mud and silt from upstream fields, indicating that the earth is definitely saturated. The levels are still short of flood level, with no overflowing banks yet.

A sign of spring - catkins growing well on a young

Hazel tree on the bank of the muddy fast flowing river.

The noise of the south-westerly gale in the trees and traffic noise carried far today - birds and mammals were hunkered down with the mild weather making urgent foraging less necessary.

Robins were however singing loudly from prominent perches low down in sheltered areas, clearly audible but the first species seen was a family group of about ten long-tailed tits all foraging in the same bare tree, prising small insects from lichen-clad twigs and branches, very close to me, calling softly.

Even the carrion crows were keeping low today, sat on branches, wiping beaks after muddy meals. Magpies and jackdaws were heard and seen in the distance and herring gulls were ever-present in the sky - flying against the wind. Forty-five black-headed gulls were enjoying easy foraging in the very soft ground on a playing field where they spend most of the winter. There was a brief glimpse of a fast, low-flying sparrow hawk through the trees, taking advantage of the waving branches and vegetation to target a wood pigeon - missed. A group of linnets flew fast across into a tree and small groups of goldfinches braved the wind to fly into cover. Blue tits and great tits were visible in good numbers making their way along the river bank thickets and one or two chaffinches and greenfinches 

allowed themselves to be driven across gaps in the thickets by the wind. Blackbirds were numerous everywhere, on the grass and inside thickets, but always in sheltered places on the river bank, together with one or two song thrushes. A nuthatch was heard in the distance - and down on the river itself (Arun) five mallard, three males and two female in a close group were paddling upstream slowly around a quiet backwater, the steep river banks giving perfect shelter from the wind.

It was very good to see that a few redwing were still present - amongst tree branches in view of thickets still bearing fruits and berries. With the redwing were about four goldcrests, moving around directly above me. They had abandoned their usual conifers which were bearing the full force of the wind to forage amongst the branches of sheltered deciduous trees.

This was not a full record, only a quick look as the weather was so bad. Hopefully there will be a better day for a full record before the end of the year!

Just another view of 'the scrape' taken today. Wildlife around the 

area was sheltering well out of sight.

Redwings on the move!

December - although it's warm enough to be October.

A very rare fine day today, Friday 4th December 2015, after a series of windy, dark, damp days and torrential rain last night.

Last month had been the most overcast November on record - about time for a glimpse of the sun.

The morning started clear and bright , cooler than usual but no frost - and the ground very wet after the overnight rain.

The most noticeable feature was the amount of singing along the river, as if birds had all suddenly woken up after a very very long night lasting days..

Blackthorn thickets were the loudest with birds crowding in to sample the sloes, some now drying out and wrinkled - but maybe tasting better than the younger berries. The other most popular fruits were the wild rose hips. 

The redwings had arrived in force, ahead of the fieldfares which yesterday were trailing behind, still visible in large numbers down in the lower Arun valley at Pulborough.

 An Oak on the bank of the Arun, windswept but still clinging on to golden leaves.

 Although cooler now, the morning was still warm for this time of the year with the ground thick with fallen leaves fast turning into a rich compost allowing easy  access to invertebrates for ground-feeding birds - a slight kick to move the leaves and a feast is revealed.
Robins (23) were singing in many parts of the riverside, some answering each other from across the river. Four dunnocks were seen silently foraging under the dead stalks of nettles on the bank and amongst the leaf litter. Starlings were quite numerous today - a good sign - (70), about 15 whistling and singing in a Blackthorn thicket, well hidden but very audible and other small gatherings could be heard and seen in many places where there was plenty of cover - hollies and ivy.
It was very reassuring to find so many house sparrows (more than 150) in several colonies in hedgerows and bramble thickets. Never 'early' birds, perhaps the unaccustomed sunlight had woken them up when it hit their roosts and started them off, singing and preening. Once fully awake, they will, however, happily sing in rain, provided they have some cover from the worst of the weather.
Woodpigeons (28) were scattered in the trees along the banks - once suitable branches were found where they could sit in the sun, most dozed off - until disturbed by a squirrel or jay. Collared doves are now not as numerous as they were here a few years ago - and today only two were seen, a pair sitting close together on a branch, preening each other. Three noisy jays were heard first and then seen - and on the field and grass, 14 carrion crows were foraging, whilst 6 magpies, almost as noisy as the jays, were restlessly flying and chasing amongst the trees. The carrion  crows were accompanied by  small numbers of rooks, about 5 and 2 jackdaws were seen flying across.
Herring gulls were enjoying the clear sky (38), most flying high south towards the coast and the smaller black-headed gulls (35) were, as usual in winter, feeding amongst the short grass or flying around low above the field when disturbed, ready to land again as soon as possible.
Still looking up, scanning the unusually cloudless sky, I saw a lonely cormorant making its way south, following the river course - and then below, looking down onto the bank a sparrowhawk was seen dashing low along the river. Further upstream a single moorhen was walking along the bank next to the path, unconcerned. An old tree with branches overhanging the water had obviously just been chosen as a good place to nest in the spring - a great spotted woodpecker had been at work making a largish hole in the trunk. The woodpecker was probably watching me - but I didn't see it.
Three nuthatches were heard and seen in different territories along the river - they establish nesting holes early on and spend the winter guarding and refurbishing their old nest holes but the great-spotted woodpecker usually chooses to create or use a different one each year.
 It was very noticeable, with the low sun warming the trees, that large numbers of insects were active on and around the tree bark, mostly small flies and occasionally a solitary bee. A treecreeper was seen foraging briefly before it disappeared, taking advantage of the abundant insects.
Back to the singing - Song thrushes (11) were singing strongly today - they have been singing since last month, mostly early and late in the day - but it was remarkable how they had to compete with so many other singing birds today. Massed goldfinches were singing together in a large Blackthorn thicket (about 55) together with numbers of singing starlings, robin, a song thrush (loudest voice). Two greenfinches were eating rose hips, about six chaffinches were present - and a mistle thrush was perched in the sun.
There were good views of several redwing moving through the same Blackthorn eating sloes, 15 in total today.
Even more remarkable was the duration of the chorus - the occupants of the thicket were singing for over two hours, most of them on the sunlit southern side. 

In addition to the 'static' chorus, large numbers of blue tits and great tits were visiting the same thicket, part of several roaming flocks seen in different locations along the river. A total of 120 blue tits and 53 great tits were counted -  and 4 coal tits with an independent large, silent family group of 17 long-tailed tits in the willows.
High calls alerted me to goldcrests active in the lower branches of the conifers (4) and several wrens were seen, some heard singing short songs in various locations under the tangle of nettle and bramble stalks on the banks -  8 in total but only a few were singing.
  Three fieldfare were seen on ivy (berries) and flying across between berry-laden bushes, but redwing have suddenly become more numerous here, together with large numbers of visiting blackbirds - today 42 in total were seen but none singing but all concentrating on the berries and fruits along the banks.
A memorable day, with unexpected numbers of birds and unexpected song.