I started the day with a quick circuit around Banstead Woods, really hoping to relocate the flock of redpolls, but I had only two fly-overs (as well as a Siskin). It was a beautiful, crisp morning and the car thermometer read -4°C as I drove through a hoary Chipstead Valley.
Later on, I teamed up with Ian J for some owling. Strangely, it was a no show for the Barn Owls but we heard two calls at the end of the visit, while returning to the cars well after dark. Two Tawny Owls and a Little Owl were also heard, and I glimpsed a Woodcock.
