Winter Birds at Frensham Great Pond (managed by Waverley Borough Council)

Leader: Sue Bradford (HNHS Member)
The pond area has distinct habitats: fresh water, woodland, alder carr and Cladonia Heath.
On the pond were Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen and Heron.  The putlet pond is surrounded by woodland, predominately Holly, where Redwings were busy stripping the berries. In the alder carr (waterlogged woodland with alder, sallow and birch) Siskins, high in the canopy, fed on alder cones.  A medium-sized, pale-grey bird suddenly appeared flying fast and swerving between the alders  –  probably a Sparrowhawk.  The Cladonia Heath (fenced area between the pond and the main road) is dominated by silvery-grey Cladonia species lichen and green mosses.