The Dabchick is still around, I also saw 2 Kingfishers chasing each other, I am not sure if this was territory fights (2 males) or courtship (1 male and 1 female) but it was nice to see. Stifflegs was also around and I think I also saw Tube Duck. No sign of the Coot though, and yes you have guessed, Monstrosity Bridge is STILL not open 
but it was treacherous going down the leisure Centre Bridge due to ice, and I did slip but managed to grab a hand rail, but I have been told of some people who were not so lucky.
This year for the first time I have had Redwings in my garden, they were joined on Monday by a Fieldfare 
Terry
Hello Terry,
Just to say I saw the ‘mystery’ smallish duck again yesterday (same sort I believe). It was up by Cogglesford Mill around 1630 yesterday. I have been down by the river 3 times today but no sightings. The light was much better this time but I still cannot determine what it was – the best I can come up with is a Gadwell but that is a shot in the dark. It had a thin whitish stripe going horizontally across the head to the beak with a female type Mallards markings near the waterline. This time I heard its call – quiet high in pitch – it also came quite close to me so I don’t think it was put off by the presence of humans. I just hope someone else saw it and mentions it to you. I have not seen the Coot for several days – I had not seen the Dabchick either but you mentioned seeing it on your blog so it must been hiding when I have been along the river. Regards Graham
Thanks for the update Graham
I will be going down the Slea tomorrow (weather permitting) so will keep an eye out for ‘your’ duck. Have you got a mobile phone with a camera built in ? always good for the unexpected 
Terry