Is January The New March?.......

Scarlet Elf Cup.

Candlesnuff Fungus.

Male Smooth Newt.

Tufties.

Mute Swan.

A few hours out today at Messingham Sand Quarries seemed more like early spring rather than early January,with singing Coal and Great Tits and the biggest surprise came in the form of at least 5 Smooth Newt in the woodland pond in the plantation.They consisted of 4 males and a single female,with one of the males watched displaying to her.This is the earliest i have ever seen this species and no doubt things will change as the weather is forecast to turn cooler over the next week.It must be so confusing for the wildlife,with unseasonal temperatures one minute and then back to the norm next.
 Other nice sightings recorded in the plantation included some very nice examples of Scarlet Elf Cup and Candlesnuff Fungus,the Scarlet Elf Cup being particularly stunning.
 On the main lake,the Scaup were still present,but are now reduced to 3 birds now and also here were a good count of 82 Tufted Duck.The only other avian  highlight was a single Willow Tit.

  With an hour or so to spare before picking Trace up,i visited Ashbyville to see if the stunning juv. Great-northern Diver was still present and sure enough it was.It was a relief that this bird is still fit and healthy and pleased to see it is now keeping its distance from humans.Another great few hours out and about locally.