DECEMBER
December 17th 2002 was a red-letter day for Carr Vale as that was the date that we achieved our 1000th consecutive daily log entry. Needless to say we went on to finish the year with a 100% attendance record for the second year running (and for the third year in the last four years). All those who made this possible are thanked for their assistance, whether we continue in 2003 remains to be seen. A total of 76 species was recorded during the month, which is about average and one new bird was added to the year list taking that to a creditable 139, just about average. It was in the main a fairly mild wet month, very wet towards the end of the year with torrential rain overnight on the 29th-30th December. This saw the water level in the flashes rise to its highest level for over a year reaching five feet on the 30th and causing the path to the reserve to be flooded. The middle part of the month however was very cold with a raw north-easterly and partial freezing of the ponds

A Merlin dashed over the Southern Marsh at dusk on the 1st and the third Kittiwake of the year flew north on the 3rd, when four Redshank were reported. 217 Jackdaws flew north on the 5th, a record count for the site whilst on the 6th a male Shoveler was unusual (only the 5th December record) as this species is usually a spring / summer visitor at Carr Vale. A female Ruddy Duck was present on 7th December (and on three more dates until the 12th) and 103 Blackbirds were counted on the 11th, a site record.

A Redshank as present on the 13th and then after a week a very quiet spell was broken on the 21st when a Firecrest was found, although it proved to be very elusive only being on view for half an hour before it disappeared for a week. A Peregrine flew south on the 24th on which date a tristis Chiffchaff was found and 30 Siskins were present (also on the 25th and 29th). 23 Pink-footed Geese flew east on the 28th when a male Ruddy Duck was seen and the Firecrest as relocated allowing a couple more of the regulars to catch up with it. 25 Snipe were counted on the 30th then on the 31st a Redshank as present and the tristis Chiffchaff continued to show well.