Weekend update

My weekend was spent juggling my time between family commitments and conducting Wetland Bird Survey counts throughout the Colne Valley. I received news on Saturday of a Velevet Scoter that had been found on Broadwater Gravel Pit and yesterday a Black-necked Grebe was reported at Stockers Lake. Frustratingly I was unable to get out and view either bird! A shopping trip to Hemel Hempstead today did produce a single Grey Wagtail in the Town Centre but as far as birding went that was it.

WeBS Counts
13-11-10 Stockers Lake
Great-crested Grebe (10), Cormorant (38), Grey Heron (5), Mute Swan (34), Canada Goose (40), Egyptian Goose (2), Wigeon (6), Gadwall (19), Mallard (36), Shoveler Duck (57), Pochard (18), Tufted Duck (201), Goldeneye (7 including 3 males), Water Rail (1), Moorhen (18), Coot (379), Lapwing (1), Black-headed Gull (137), Common Gull (2), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Kingfisher (1).
Other species of note;
Ring-necked Parakeet (3), Treecreeper (1), Siskin (c50).
15-11-10 Troy Mill G.P
Little Grebe (3), Great-crested Grebe (5), Cormorant (2), Grey Heron (2), Mute Swan (2), Mallard (8), Pochard (18), Tufted Duck (48), Moorhen (1), Coot (441), Black-headed Gull (6).
North Troy G.P
Great-crested Grebe (4), Mute Swan (5), Canada Goose (15), Gadwall (4), Mallard (24), Tufted Duck (9), Moorhen (3), Coot (197), Black-headed Gull (2), Common Gull (1).
Helicon/Pynesfield G.P's  
Great-crested Grebe (7), Cormorant (4), Mute Swan (2), Wigeon (24), Gadwall (33), Mallard (1), Pochard (6), Tufted Duck (43), Moorhen (1), Coot (165), Black-headed Gull (8), Common Gull (2), Kingfisher (2).
A Sparrowhawk was briefly observed overhead.
Lynsters G.P
Very poor visibility as I have no access to this site. (under recorded)!
Great-crested Grebe (1), Canada Goose (5), Gadwall (3), Mallard (2), Tufted Duck (7), Coot (12).
Other Species of note;
Meadow Pipit (4), Pied Wagtail (8), Jay (2), Kestrel (female).