New Year, same birds

I was unexpectedly, and at very short notice, allowed out to play on Jan 1st, having quickly rattled up over 20 species from the house, whilst looking after Rosie early morning (highlights Redwings, several Jays and a Grey Wagtail). Roath Park Lake produced the usual stuff, and so off to Castell Coch. An hour later, many common woodland species, but only two Bramblings. Dave Bush and Matt Evans were also noted in winter plumage. Lisvane Res produced Spotted Sandpiper, and Peterstone Gout at high tide produced another dozen or so species, including 50+ Pintails, Knot and Grey Plover. No owls showed at a site east of the River Rhymney, but it was lunchtime. A brisk drive to Cosmeston produced a flyover flock of Lapwings. At the human infested lakes, the Scaup present were soon found, and a hasty reteat made. The River Taff near Western Avenue still had 3 Goosander, that I'd seen a few weeks earlier, and so off to Forest Farm for the rest of the daylight. The expected Bullfinches were elusive, with only one, a female seen. Reed Buntings were numerous, but time was running out. Green Woodpecker, Water Rail, and more surprisingly, Tawny Owl were heard, and that was it....68 species seen and those last 3 heard only. Not bad for Cardiff and the surrounding area.