A long walk in the farmland north of the canal near Balmore found the birds difficult to eke out (perhaps due to a combination of cold wind and heavy traffic in places). A few Buzzards appeared here and there and a Jay and a Nuthatch called from a shelter belt. Only two Chiffchaffs and one Willow Warbler were heard. Plants included Red Crest lichen on a fencepost and two patches of Lords and Ladies.