Mealy Redpoll, RW, 29th Nov

I saw a third Mealy in the very mobile Lesser Redpoll flock today. It was a lovely individual with a very white and brown streaked rump (visible in bottom photo - top bird). The one visible undertail-covert streak was very thin, more like an Arctic Redpoll (visible in top photo). The Mealy/Arctic Redpoll influx of 95/96 is still the best thing i have ever witnessed at RW and i would quite happily donate a Kidney to experience another such influx.

Otter Family, RW, 27th Nov

After getting the usual brief views in failing light we eventually had the delight of watching an Otter with 2 small cubs in the warm afternoon sun. We watched the cubs climbing over their mother as she lay in the snow and then later, playing with fish just like young cats will play with a caught rodent.

Mealy Redpolls, RW

A flock of 25 Lesser Redpolls contained at least 2 Mealies but a passing Sparrowhawk cut short any further discoveries.

A few photos and sketches from 2 months of bird migration in France and Spain will soon follow.