High pressure systems dominated over the UK, drawing in light winds from the east keeping daytime temperatures in the low to mid single figures.

With overcast skies for the most part as we moved into the first weeks of February.

Another chance of a coastal trip the Selsey Peninsular, West Sussex, came my way on February 1, this time in the company of Bob and Dougal.

It also gave me the opportunity of adding a few photographs of some of the birds I had missed seeing on my previous visit just over a week before.

Golden plovers in flight, with lapwings below, North wall, Pagham.

Viewing from the North wall large flocks of golden plovers and lapwings could be viewed in flight, as they were pushed up by the incoming tide.

Brent geese, North wall, Pagham.

As on my previous visit large skeins of brent geese, well in excess of 1,000, could be viewed in flight along the coast.

Curlew, North Wall, Pagham.

Much closer to view as we walked the footpath were several curlews. Undisturbed by us, they probed the muddy brackish water with their long curved bills.

Wigeon, North Wall, Pagham.

While groups of various wintering waterfowl including wigeon dabbling in the deepening pools as high tide approached.

Barnacle geese, North Wall, Pagham.

Adding to our geese sightings were seven barnacle geese that flew in overhead and settled in a field nearby.

Distant red-throated diver.

Viewing from the beach area at Selsey Bill at high tide later that afternoon, a handful of distant gannets seen over the water, plus a few distant red throated divers could be picked out flying past low across the horizon.

Mediterranean gull in winter plumage.

Closer to view along the beach front were a couple of adult Mediterranean gulls, still in their winter plumage.

Turnstones, Pagham Beach.

Also adding to this year’s photos was a flock of 20 or so turnstones flying in unison beyond the tideline.

Then returning to feed among the pebbles along the shoreline.

Sanderling, Pagham Beach.

Surprisingly to me, a lone sanderling, usually seen within flocks of their own, could be picked out and photographed among the turnstones. Adding a nice addition to my sightings.

The highlight of my return to the peninsular was to once again to see the long-eared owls that were still roosting there.

Long-eared owl Selsey Peninsula.

Much concern continued since prior to my previous visit when it had been reported that a few unscrupulous individuals had been ‘lamping’ the birds at nightfall.

Fortunately during our visits, and although not largely advertised of where they were situated due to concerns, RSPB volunteers were present to monitor the site.

The three birds present, unless having switched their individual perches, remained in identical positions to where we had previously viewed them, within the thicket where they were roosting.

The causeway at Staines Reservoir.

Adding to our excursions was a visit to Staines Reservoir, near Heathrow Airport. on a couple of occasions during the first weeks of February.

Goldeneye ducks, Staines Reservoir.

Here I was able to add several goldeneye ducks, both male and female to this year’s sightings and photographs.

Male Goldeneye duck, showing its courtship display, Staines Reservoir.

Some of the drakes were already showing notable signs of the courtship display of the goldeneye. This including tossing their heads back and stretching their necks, with bills pointed upwards. At times splashing the water with their feet.

Black-necked grebes, Staines Reservoir.

Regular winter visitors in recent years there were a group of black-necked grebes. On this occasion counting eight on the north basin quite close to the causeway.

Black-necked grebes, Staines Reservoir.

While on the south basin a further two could be viewed.

Dabchick, Staines Reservoir.

Several dabchicks, also referred to as little grebes, were also present.

Great crested grebes having a snooze, Staines Reservoir.

As well as numerous great crested grebes.

Gadwall ducks, male on right, Staines Reservoir.

While ducks there included several groups of gadwall.

Wigeon, Staines Reservoir.

As well as numerous wigeon.

Tufted ducks in flight, Staines Reservoir.

And tufted ducks.

Great northern diver on the far side of the north basin, Staines Reservoir.

Adding to the day’s sightings, although some distance to view, were two great northern diver on the far side of the north basin.

Linnets, Staines Reservoir.

A small group of a dozen or so linnets could be seen feeding along the causeway.

Meadow pipit, Staines Reservoir.

While a meadow pipit allowed me a photo as it perched up along the railings.

Slavonian grebe, previously viewed at Staines Reservoir.

On a later visit on February 15 we were also able to add a Slavonian grebe as an addition to this year’s sightings. Unfortunately it was too distant to photograph with my camera, requiring the assistance of Dougal’s ‘scope’ to achieve reasonable views.

Red-breasted mergansers, Staines Reservoir.

Closer to view and also on the south basin were a pair of red breasted mergansers.

Red kite over Staines Reservoir.

A red kite drifted slowly over our heads as it followed the line of the causeway and was later relocated drifting along the outer perimeters of the reservoir.

Common buzzard, Staines Reservoir.

And a common buzzard could be added to our day’s sighting as it perched in a tree just beyond the railings as we exited the reservoir.

Fieldfares, Staines Reservoir.

While a small group of fieldfares gathered in a small tree beyond some fencing.

A pleasant addition to our year’s sightings while in the area was to ‘jam in’ on a short-eared owl as we walked along the path by the River Colne on Staines Moor later that afternoon.

Short-eared owl, Staines Moor.

First sighting it perched up on a small hawthorn bush beside the river.

Short-eared owl, Staines Moor.

Then later relocating it hunting over the fields.

Hawfinch. This one at Newlands Corner.

Closer to home within the Surrey Hills, hawfinches had been frequently reported at numerous locations along the chalk North Downs from the areas surrounding Newlands Corner and as far east as Box Hill, near Dorking.

Goshawk over Effingham Forest.

Along the route a few goshawks continued to favour the mixed woodlands of beech and pine, occasionally seen displaying on the brighter of mostly overcast days.

Firecrest.

At Effingham Forest I was able to add my first reasonable photos of a firecrest to my sightings.

Marsh tit.

Also picking out a marsh tit, having recognised its call.