As we prepare for the clocks to go forward, we say farewell to our winter visitors. It's been a great winter for birding in VC55 (Leicestershire & Rutland). 
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We started off with a Glossy Ibis at Cossington Meadows which showed well and is still around. In December the first of the Waxwings showed up and it turned into quite a vintage year for this species. Surf Scoters are an extreme rarity in VC55 but this year a first-winter bird turned up at Rutland Water in December and remained into January 2017, causing quite a stir. As a bonus, there have been Smew a-plenty, so it really has been a great winter - but the Sand Martins and the Ospreys are already back at Rutland Water  - it's going to be a great summer!

AJC