A post dental hygiene visit to the park saw a massive drop off in people after yesterday's bank holiday crowds and so it was quiet in the cafe and later still quieter in the top car park with just one family in the play area. Having seen no reports of the Brambling flock since my GoB posting a month ago I rather assumed they may have departed or scattered but no, the birds were in almost the exact same spot and, whilst a little nervy, quickly returned to the ground after disturbance. In some areas it was if the forest litter had come to life and amongst them all were numerous splendid males. To add to the atmosphere a sharp snow shower blew through for 15 minutes which guaranteed I had them and indeed the top of the park to myself. Eventually heading back, a few more Brambling were calling from trees further down the main track whilst nearer to the car a very dense conifer held a Firecrest amongst a number of Blue Tits. It always seems strange here just how empty most of the forest is especially for woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper etc.
Improving weather on the return failed to add Red Kite to the yearlist from the car apart from last month's road casualty which is, strangely, still recognisable.
Total 85 and about half a mile walked.
A longer outing tomorrow hopefully but 100 for the first week is looking less likely at the moment.
