We again have Adrian Lea to thank for his comments on the photos submitted alongside sightings this week.
“The darkest days of winter are often the most challenging for our diligent photographers, the days are short, the sun (when/if it shines) is low and it can occasionally be a bit wet and windy. But our intrepid photographers have ventured forth once again and delivered some great images this week.

On Monday I particularly enjoyed the atmospheric Long-tailed Tit by Sarah Talbot, taking advantage of the shelter afforded by the Feeder Hide at Stithians, and the Great-Spotted Woodpecker at Carbis Moor by Vic Booth. Tuesday brought the promise of drier weather and this allowed Gary Treadwell to get a great shot of a Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Par while Rupert Kirkwood’s explorations of the Lynher resulted in some beautiful photographs, notably the Avocet and Kingfisher images.
Wednesday was a washout – and credit therefore to the indefatigable Bob Sharples for brightening our day with the White Stork near Helston, a recent release I understand from the Coombeshead Rewilding Project in Devon.
The weather again improved on Thursday, allowing Paul Davies to venture out to our Walmsley Sanctuary where he was able to take some great flight shots of Marsh Harrier, Garganey and Teal while the lure of the Helston White Stork attracted the lenses of K White and Martin Webb.
The sunny spells on Friday were combined with the recent sighting of a Dusky Warbler at Boscathnoe Reservoir near Penzance providing Simon Willson, Terry Newing, Steve Rogers and Stephen Rowe with the challenge of photographing what is often a fast moving and elusive little bird as it busied itself amongst the foliage – well done and thanks to them all for sharing the excellent results of their endeavours with us.
The darkening sky on Saturday didn’t deter Simon Willson, great Kingfisher flight shot, or Alistair Swanson, lovely Common Sandpiper and Little Egret. It must have been quite busy at Boscathnoe Reservoir again on Sunday, with Nigel Rogers, Mark James and Adam Holmes accepting the Dusky Warbler challenge, with occasional respite being afforded by a pair of Goosander. And a rather worrying photo of a wren inside a pigeon…..

Photo of the Week was never going to be an easy decision this week, but the Dusky Warbler has certainly been the star attraction and many thanks once again to everyone for submitting the results of their endeavours. I think my favourite Dusky Warbler photo was submitted by Terry Newing and I’m therefore awarding this the Photo of the Week.

Many thanks once again to everyone who has taken the time to submit sighting reports and photographs to our sightings team, it really is greatly appreciated. Could I take this opportunity to wish you and your families the very best for the festive season.”

Congratulations Terry on winning your first PotW!