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A short walk along the Cart between Howford Bridge and Leverndale Hospital gate this afternoon proved to be quite exceptional in terms of the weather conditions and birds seen. It was incredibly mild for the time of year, with clouds of midges in sheltered spots and the river at summer rather than winter levels. Almost the first bird encountered was a Kingfisher calling, unseen, from near the bridge (at least another was showing well near the hospital gate and seemed to be interacting with a third, hidden bird).
Good numbers of Fieldfares were "chack"-ing in the treetops and these were accompanied by smaller numbers of Redwings and at least three "dark" Song Thrushes. Also in the treetops (and presumably also incoming birds) were good numbers of Chaffinches and smaller numbers of Goldfinches and Siskins. Three birds in the top of the isolated trees north of the hospital broke cover and turned out to be Stock Doves. Finally some commotion across the river at Cairnhill proved to be due to a male Sparrowhawk which gave fantastic views as it alighted in a tree, then sped away.
Two Pony Trekkers were unusual.