JCB Landpower, Leek Rd: the Barn Owl reported recently from the test track was seen well this morning around dawn and even perched on one of the JCB signs. MP

Hales Hall: a tremendous record this afternoon of a Merlin seen flying north over Hales towards Woodhead. RP

A stroll around Garston/Cotton Banks for the Winter Atlas produced nothing of note but did reveal a couple of spots worth checking' later in the year for Redstarts, Pied Fly's and Wood Warblers.

With temperatures considerably warmer than of late a thaw as begun and slightly more open water is available now and this did the trick with a redhead Goosander on the roadside pool at Blake Hall .

Hales Hall: Common Gull 1, Black-headed Gull c100, Canada Goose 15, Mandarin 1.

Blake Hall: Goosander 1, Wigeon 1, Mallard 40, Canada Goose 79, Black-headed Gull 24, Lapwing 2. AB

Late news from the Coleridge Drive area of a Common (Mealy) Redpoll coming to garden feeders with around 60 Lesser Redpolls. A crackin' garden tick! Birdforum

Late news for yesterday from Dimmings Dale: Siskin 10, Lesser Redpoll 2, Raven 2. TE

Cotton Banks/ Garston: very few birds around this afternoon apart from one or two Fieldfares and a calling Tawny Owl. AB

Croxden Quarry: a dawn stroll with the dogs produced excellent views of two different Tawny Owls still hunting in the early morning light. Also 2-3 Ravens overhead. AB

Ashbourne Rd: Barn Owl between the Thorley Drive and Moss Lane junctions near to Lightwood Fm at around 1500hrs. AB

The Park/ JCB Landpower track: no sign this evening of a Barn Owl that was seen three times last week by one of the JCB workers but the Little Owl is still present. MP