WAYMARKERS

1 Check Virginia Water for dabbling ducks such as Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall, plus Pochard and Cormorant alongside gulls and feral geese. Little Grebe and Mandarin occur around the margins, plus the occasional Little Egret, Grey Heron, Green Sandpiper, Lapwing, Kingfisher, Grey and Pied Wagtails. Reed Bunting, tit and finch flocks feed along the lakeside trees, with a chance of Siskin and redpoll.

2 Deciduous woodland harbour the usual tit flocks, including the declining Marsh Tit, plus Goldcrest, Firecrest, Treecreeper and Bullfinch and maybe a Woodcock flushed from cover.

3 Open parkland and scrub supports the likes of Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, corvids, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch and Linnet, plus the odd Yellowhammer or Sky Lark. Scan the woodland canopy for Buzzard and Red Kite. Check the mature oaks for Little Owl, while Barn Owl is occasionally noted here.

4 Conifer plantations can attract the occasional flock of Crossbills, but more typically Goldcrest, Firecrest and Coal Tit among passerine flocks. A good spot for thrushes, Starlings, corvids and Woodpigeon roosts.