Finally managed to get a look at the long staying Female Scaup at Attenborough Church Pond. The whitish face patch was quite striking at a distance.

Moving on from Church pond I followed the path round to the (very muddy) Wet Marsh area and stopped to look at the reeds opposite. Loud calling from the trees gave away a male Great Spotted Woodpecker. Another called from the trees behind me. Also seen but not sketched - Cettis Warbler (I think) Water rail (heard) Goosander, Teal, Goldeneye, Wigeon and a very tame Robin which takes food from your hand!

Goldeneye display on Clifton pit, Attenborough. The view from the path showing the reed beds on Clifton Pit and the Branshill Wood in the distance.

Shoveller drakes asleep by one of the spits on Clifton Pit

Frosty morning. This Heron sat in waterside trees preening. I observed it stretching up its neck, pointing its beak skyward as another heron flew over - threat? Display?..

Pochard on the main pit, Attenborough. The female/redhead Smew was also present along with Goosander, Goldeneye, Tufted ducks etc

I visited my old sketching haunt today - Nutbrook trail, near Kirk Hallam. On a horse paddock fence post sat a Buzzard. It watched the ground intently before gliding leisurely down, presumably after worms. I have seen some great wildlife here in the past but I heard today that the local council plan to put 500 houses here soon. Makes my heart sink.

Rooks perched at the top of a tree in strong winds at dusk. Wollaton Park. Huge Corvid roost with Crows, Rooks, jackdaws all streaming in to roost.

After hearing about waxwings in Kirk hallam I didnt waste any time in looking for them. They were perched at the top of a Birch tree, bodies held horizontal in the strong, gusty wind. They seemed to be waiting to fly to a nearby Rowan which was being guarded by the local Mistle Thrush. A dark cloud came sweeping in behind the sunlit birds (producing a rainbow briefly) the prelude to rain. Suddenly the Waxwings took off and a female Sparrowhawk swooped in, missing its chance it sat there for a few moments looking about. The Waxwings didnt return.