A quick look at Blashford highlighted by the Pop Up Cafe's stilton and cranberry scone and a long chat with Jackie who confirmed John6x4's absence due to illness. The Water Pipit did two calling flybys and the Pink-footed Goose eventually showed whilst an even more distant Green Sandpiper was on the far shore but it was pretty lifeless otherwise. The south side was no better.
Stopping at Slufters on the way back looked to be a waste of time so after a few hundred yards I turned to head back when Crossbill chipping started up close by; eventually 10 or so birds were counted (including five males) dropping conifer cones all around me. Even when silent you can hear them pecking away at cones. Sadly, no subtly different calls and nothing big-billed!
Finally, a Raven north over junction 1 sliproad.
