Coombe Hill (15 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Ducks continue to decline in numbers: only 35 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Ducks (mating!); nine Shelducks, at least two pairs. The pair of Canadas which last year had a farmyard goose as a nanny/gooseberry for their three goslings is developing into a ménage à trios. The white one appears to be a gander and is devoting much of his attention to Mme Canada; M. Canada is being elbowed out; stand by for more hybrids! A pair of Oystercatchers; nine Curlews first thing (six looked like local breeders, three off to the north early on); Lapwings looking much interested in breeding: four over scrapes, five over arable, all displaying well; another 14 which were probably a flock of passing migrants; three Snipe. Three singing Chiffchaffs, about 40 Fieldfares; at least three singing Reed Buntings, a singing Yelllowhammer.