WAYMARKERS

1 From the bridge, scan either way along the canal for Teal, Little Grebe, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Grey Heron, Little Egret, plus a chance of Water Rail, Snipe or Green Sandpiper where mud is showing. Check the fields to the south for winter thrushes, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Stock Dove and Red-legged Partridge.

2 The bankside scrub often attracts small numbers of Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Cetti`s Warbler. Tree Sparrow and Corn Bunting are also present, while Long-tailed Tit flocks should be checked for Goldcrest and Chiffchaff. A good spot for an early Wheatear. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard often hunt here and old willows can harbour a Little Owl.

3 The woodland section has all the usual tits, finches and thrushes, plus Jay, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. Listen out for a first migrant Blackcap or Chiffchaff.

4 Check for passerine flocks moving along the woodland edge and on sunny mornings soaring raptors over the canopy. The open farmland often has a variety of finches, buntings, thrushes, Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit.