DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE: W/E 8th March. A visit on the 7th March was made to carry out a Cormorant count in conjunction with the National Wildfowl Count the following morning. In all, 152 Cormorants were counted in and there was an estimated 58 apparently occupied nests on the 8th. Of note, on the 7th, was an adult Kittiwake that flew W to E through the reserve – the first record since one on the 8th March 2008. The wildfowl count on the 8th revealed the shortage of waterfowl with the Tufted Duck at 52 the best tally. However, the Great White Egret and Little Egrets were not to be sniffed at and five Goosanders (two drakes) were also a welcome sight. Among the songsters on the 8th were counts of 37 Wrens, 42 Robins and 18 Dunnocks. Wintering birds included a few Redwings and two Fieldfares and five Chiffchaffs must surely have been spring arrivals? Logged on the 6th were two Shelduck, a pair of Mandarin, 1,500 Jackdaws and 150 Starlings. A Mink, that same date, was the first noted this year. FLOOD POOL: The depth is still around 9” and one hopes that it will evaporate shortly but, having said that, at the time of writing, there is a weather alert for heavy rain in Derbyshire over 9th and 10th. With thanks to AG, KW, RW and JKC.