A few surprises today.

 Dropped into the SAFC academy area today for a quick once over as I've not viewed for a while. What a cracking visit this one turned out to be!. First off a canny few Redwings and Fieldfares along the Hawthorn lined western approach path to the ponds, along with lots of dodging of muddy areas by myself...Aye its a mucky trek now. ;-)
This female Goldeneye I thought was the going to be the highlight of this visit here today, which I was over the moon to capture any image of... this bird was flighty to say the least.

And then I wandered back towards Moor lane on the eastern side of the Academy. Large numbers of Meadow pipits (est. 80-100)  around this area which is always a stronghold, but not normally this time of year. Plus this sight here thats not common to say the least these days around the doors.

The spoil heaps to the northern side (by Moor lane) produced maybe the biggest surprise, when a local watcher to this patch informed me of 3 Rock pipits feeding here. Excellent stuff...Viewed well but too far off photo wise.