Its still a bit of a monstrosity – the new Bridge that is. I was told (but have no other ‘proof’) that the Health and Safety people are concerned about the Bridge not being level. I think this must mean from ‘side to side’ because it has a hump in the middle which I presume is designed to shed water quickly when it rains etc.
The Dabchick had not been seen for a week and just as we were talking about it the Dabchick made an appearance, so perhaps he has just been hiding ?
Mel saw another dead Moorhen earlier in the week, probably from fighting again as Moorhens are VERY territorial and will, if necessary, fight to the death if another Moorhen ventures into its territory.
Stiff Legs and Tube Duck are still doing well 
Terry
PS I forgot to say in the last post, another reason I found 2008 a sad year for the Slea was because we also lost ‘One Eye’ and I have had it confirmed from a witness that, as suspected, a dog got him 
I just hope the owner learns to keep the dog under control at all times, but apparantly when it happened he said something to the effect ‘thats life’ I bet he would not say that if someone ran over his dog (or perhaps even himself)
Hi Terry,
I have just been down by the Slea and saw a duck I could not identify (around 1620′ish). It was with swimming with some Mallards (one male kept trying to move it on) between the reeds where the Dabchick hangs out and the swimming pool bridge. It was smaller than a Mallard but larger than a Moorhen. The markings were a bit vague but it appeared to be light grey or brown on top and had horizontal white lines just above the water line (as it was swimming) It also had a diagonal whitish thin line from its head to the beak area. The beak was possibly thinnish. Any ideas? – all the best for 2009 – regards Graham
Hi Graham, nice to hear from you and all the best for 2009 also
I have no idea what species you saw, but I will have a look tomorrow and try and take a picture of it. When we had a Speckled Teal 2-3 years ago, I sent the photo off to a friend who is very good at identification, and will do the same again and hopefully we will get to know what it is. Thanks for letting us know
Terry