What a day! In all strangeness, and despite my best efforts, the sum total of 37 species was the full count of all the species I observed today.
To start the day off, I was outside at 06:00 and immediately heard a Tawny Owl. Having spent a few minutes more standing staring into the darkness, I saw the Tawny Owl flying over, a dark shadow against the orange-hued skies. While outside, I also heard a Blackbird, Robin, and Song Thrush, taking my list up to four.
Heading to Pelling's Wood once it was light (around 08:15) I added two much-wanted species - Marsh Tit, and Siskin, as well as many of the common species on the way. Nearby, Steel Cross produced the goods in the form of a delightful pair of Bullfinches.
Heading off up Pelling's Farm Close, I moved up into the woodlands above that road, which I call Poundfield Woods, where I added Hawfinch, with two in an area that I regularly check. This is only the third time I have had Hawfinches on the patch this winter, so I was really pleased with that tick.
On the Montargis Estate, I just heard a slight 'seep' overhead, and, looking up, spotted two Redwing flying over, whilst further away on Luxford Lane I had more Siskins, and more of the common species.
Later in the morning, I went to Broadwater Warren RSPB. Here the highlights were an invisible Firecrest, which positively refused to show itself, multiple Jays, at least two Stonechats, and a very photogenic Kestrel, which remained perched while I had a good look at it.
Later in the afternoon, I added another species to bring the list up to 37 for the day - Meadow Pipit, flying over the house!