Pretty Vacant

I think its time we put up the 'To Let' signs up at EIDB, saying ' birds wanted to occupy tidal basin on the River Thames, last tenants have deserted'. It was a struggle to find birds this morning after last weekends increase in numbers, probably due to last weeks cold conditions. Today was very mild with a fresh westerly wind (as always). Only 30 Teal were on the basin with another 100 spread around Bow Creek, just 3 Shelduck and Tufted Duck numbers have reduced by a half and just a few Gulls and finches, and that was it. I failed to record a Cormorant which must be some kind of record for the Thames. It was also quiet on Bow Creek, just 4 Redshanks a couple of Common Sandpipers and a few Shelduck. I suppose this mild winter is good for the energy bill but its playing havoc with the birding