WAYMARKERS

1 Check the rough ground by the towpath for Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush and Stonechat, plus finches, buntings and pipits feeding in cover. The mature trees are good for wintering Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Siskin, redpoll, Goldfinch or Goldcrest along with resident Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper. Scan along the river and canal for Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Dabchick, Moorhen and Little Egret.

2 From the viewpoint at Amwell, scan the wetlands for waders such as Redshank, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper and Snipe, plus Little Egret, Grey Heron, Cormorant, a variety of gulls (Mediterranean, Yellow-legged and Caspian are regular), wildfowl including Shelduck, Shoveler, Gadwall and Egyptian Goose. On the main lake Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe and Pochard are present. Hides afford close views of waders and wildfowl on the islands and reedbed birds, typically Reed Bunting, Water Rail, Snipe, Bittern and Bearded Tit. Check bird feeders for tits and finches.

3 The lane borders parkland good for winter thrushes, corvids, Jay, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Red Kite.

4 Arable land can attract flocks of gulls, corvids, pigeons, thrushes and partridges. Search for grounded Meadow Pipit and Sky Lark on bare fields, plus Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch in hedgerows.