A sad site today, a female Mallard was on the side of the river dead, I assume that it had succumbed to the ‘over eager’ Drakes, this was sad in itself but there was a Drake sitting next to her, these two were all alone so I assume the Drake was her ‘mate’ He looked like he was guarding her and just waiting for her to move 
On a happier note I have been told (but have not confirmed) that we have 4 baby Moorhens that have recently hatched, I will try look out for them when I go down tomorrow.
The Coots are still incubating but I think it will not be long now.
Here is a Thrush about to swallow one of the Cotoneaster berries from my garden…
Terry
Hello Terry, I have just been along the river and I saw a lone Dabchick near the swimming pool bridge. I have also seen a Coot chick in the ‘Mill’ nest but don’t know if there are any others or how many eggs are in the nest. 3 of the Moorhen chicks survive with the other dead in the water (been there a few days) so I don’t think there are any predators around at the moment or it would have been taken/eaten.
Regards
Hi Graham, good to hear from you
Thanks for the update, I have not yet seen the baby Coots or Moorhens but hope to tomorrow 
Terry