finally, an update! the christmas period was largely quiet with a trip to manchester producing nothing more than 2 red grouse at dovestone res, oldham and a fem goosander on a river near batley, huddersfield. the marina failed to produce anything other than run of the mill stuff like shag (up to 5) purple sand (max 16) and 1-2 black reds. the snow of recent days hasnt really produced as much as i thought but there were still many thrushes, pipits, skylarks and lapwings on the coast. 6 woodcock, 4 firecrests and 2 chiffs were at sheepcote on the 10th, y'day there was a med gull on hove lagoon but the highlight were 5 woodlarks on southwick beach.