30th September - fabulous sunny day, light NE, 20C

Not much time today.  I did notice the Mistle Thrush eating yew berries, single Meadow Pipit in various fields and a Chiffchaff calling from the think Blackthorn.  Which reminds me to make some Sloe gin after the first frost.

No Swallow seen today.

29th September - another sunny day, light easterly, 18C

One Swallow was flying around the village today. The usual male Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs made appearances in the think hedge. A Green Woodpecker came by, but did not hang around, these colourful birds do breed within the vicinity of the village.

Buzzards were enjoying the thermals again, like this one over the village.

Speckled Wood, Large White and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were about, especially the latter on the Budllia.

 Up to 35 Starlings are often around the village, some were hawking insects, some eating ripe elderberries whilst others were having a rest on the wires after feeding near the chicken pens.

 One project that is getting off the ground is the restoration of a pond next to the village street in to a wildlife and peaceful rest area.  The proposal is currently that the area will be trusted to the village by the owners, the village will then be responsible for restoring and improving the habitat.  Whilst I was having a look at the area a super Migrant Hawker dragonfly was flying around, then rested on vegetation

28th - Mostly sunny, light NE, 18C

Swallow, about 10 on the wires first thing and several Meadow Pipit were passing.

Two, possibly more, Chiffchaff were feeding in the hedges.  Nuthatch and Coal Tit are visiting the feed station daily now.

27th September - cool start, sunny day with light NE, max 18C

Five Swallows were on the wires this morning, warming in the early sun.

During the afternoon an number of birds were seen in the thick hedge and at the feeding station.  A single Chiffchaff was dashing about whilst a male Blackcap fed on ripe blackberries and elder berries, a female Greenfinch was also helping itself to blackberries, with others making do with the seed provided. The Nuthatch gave itself away by calling and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew in.  Goldcrests were working the hedges and church yew tree, constantly making their high pitched call.  Seven Collared Doves past overhead and a single Swallow was feeding above the old railway track.  Then a Raven circled low and may have spotted carrion and probably landed behind the railway track.

A female Sparrowhawk came by, all the small birds spotting it and vanishing in to cover, it eventually flew off and was then pursued by two Jackdaws.  At least four Buzzards enjoyed the thermals again.

Occasional Specked Wood butterflies were seen here and there.

26th September - bright sunshine nearly all day, warm 18C

It was interesting to hear that Hedgehogs have been seen by both Anne and Tony, more so last year, but also this year.  So it looks like we have a small population in the village area, has anyone else seen them recently?

The day started with 12 Swallows on the wires, so some hanging on here. Last year I saw my last on the 24th Sept in the village.  The morning warmed quite quickly and five Buzzards spent a long time circling and enjoying the thermals above the village.

A visit to a local nearby lake produced a nice selection of birds, including the first record of a Wigeon on the lake for me and a Raven was heard overhead.  A flock of eight Bullfinch feeding was one of the largest I have seen for a while and a late Sedge Warbler gave alarm from the reeds.  Just then four birds flew into a willow, just being visible I could see they were Lesser Redpoll.  A Speckled Wood butterfly was on the wing.

This afternoon I thought I would try Shawell Lagoons to see if any of the rarer gulls were present.  Gull numbers were low, only about 400, the photo shows a few of them which included Lesser Black Backed, Black headed, Herring and three Yellow-Legged Gulls.

A flock of Lapwings flew past, and with them two Ruff, they had a good look but decided not to settle at the pools.  A little later a single Common Sandpiper was found feeding at the waters edge.  Twenty-one Tufted Duck and a single Wigeon were present too.

25th September - another sunny start, sunny spells later, warming to 16C

Today no Swallow sightings locally, probably find I will one or two over the coming days and that will be it, summer done!

Feeding around the ewes were 19 Pied Wagtails and a single Yellow Wagtail flew in to join them.  To the west of the village six Mistle Thrushes flew over from Newnham Paddox to feed on pasture and a Kestrel called nearby.  A cock Pheasant flew out of the Long Spinney to feed in the field and a Jay called aggressively in the spinney.  A lone House Martin flew westward overhead.
A single Meadow Brown and Large White were on the wing.

I visited the local reservoir this afternoon.  On the dam sat 3 Heron and a Little Egret sunning themselves.  Hoping to take a photo I quickly found out my battery was flat - what a shame.

The number of winterning  duck are slow to build this year, only 9 Wigeon could be found, but there were about 65 Pochard and 60 Tufted duck.  The first Goldeneye for the winter should show soon.  With have a good wintering population of Mute Swans, about 70.

High above about 20 House Martins were busy feeding, even with 10x, they were just dots in the sky. A Sparrowhawk flew lazy along the reservoir, clearly not hunting.

Still good number of Chiffchaffs and a few Blackcap were feeding busily in the bushes, these were with roving flocks of Long-tailed tits, at least 15, also Goldcrest and Treecreeper.  Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen and in the finch line Linnet, Goldfinh and Bullfinch were present.

There were lots of Migrant Hawker and some Brwon Hawker dragonflies, although I did not see any butterflies.

A female Muntjac was walking along the path until it spied me, then dived for cover.

24th September - a very bright sunny start leading to sunny intervals 16C max

The maximum number of Swallows I saw today at anyone time around the village was six, there may have been a few more around the fields, but I doubt the 20 of yesterday were still here.

Less birds were visiting the feed station today, but a Blackcap and Chiffchaff were still present in the hedge. Two Mistle Thrushes were eating the yew tree berries and a greater number of Blackbirds were present. One or two Song Thrush also come, the number of these breeding in the area have declined quite dramatically in recent years - why?

A Kestrel was hunting next to Montilo Lane late afternoon.  House Martin was heard over St. Marys.

23rd September - sunny until late afternoon

Twenty Swallows around the village today, the majority are juveniles, putting those extra grammes of fat on and honing their flying skills before they attempt their long journey to South Africa.  Unfortunately, most will not make the return to and return journeys successfully, nevertheless their survival strategy is clearly successful.

A few Meadow Pipits were flying over early and a Grey Wagtail has returned to winter around the village, farms and brook.

A Blackcap was having ago at singing quietly from the hedge in the morning sunshine and a Chiffchaff fed nearby.

Mid afternoon, about 10 Goldfinches were finding the house roofs at Parsons Close a great place to 'top up their tan'.  Later on the occasional Siskin zipped over calling.  

22nd September - cloud and showers until late afternoon

The morning started with 16 dejected Swallows sitting on the wires, between the showers they were able to venture further afield and were joined by five House Martins around mid-day.   Early on 15 Canada Geese flew over, low, westward, probably heading for the lake at Newnham Paddox.

A Kestrel was calling this morning to the west of the village, then this evening one was hovering over the pikel paddock just east behind the village.

Four Mistle Thrushes were busy feeding on holly berries behind watling farm.  Mistle Thrushes are well known for defending their favourite foods trees from other thrushes, which include the Redwing and Fieldfare which will be arriving here for winter very soon now.

A male and female Blackcap and single Chiffchaff were in the Blackthorn again.  A Green Woodpecker spent most of the day around the village area, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen on a number of occasions.

21st September - rain from about 1000h until 1600h.

There were 5 Swallows this morning on the wires, then this evening, with a super orange sunset, eight were flying over the village.

Just after the rain stopped late this afternoon and the sun managed to peek out, a Blackcap (female) and Chiffchaff were feeding in the Blackthorn.

20th September - Misty start, slowly clearing, high cloud and sunny intervals, warm

Twelve Swallows sat out the think mist on the telephone wires near Parsons Close first thing.

A trip to Eyebrook reservoir today, low water there making it ideal for the waders present.  There were four Ringed Plover, quite a few Lapwing (they winter here) and six Ruff.  The Ruff are passing through and will hang around a little while longer.  I thought a photo, though distant, would be useful to show them off.

A variety of ducks were present, including Wigeon, a single Shelduck, Tufted Duck, two Pintails, plenty of Teal and Mallards and two Ruddy Shelduck.  There is much discussion whether the Ruddy Shelduck are of wild origin (say from the Netherlands) or from a wildfowl collection.

Several Little Egret and a Heron hunted the waters edge, with three Little Grebes not far off shore.

A flock of at least 50 Linnets were feeding at the inlet end on the flower seeds, and a flock of about 40 Goldfinch were busy in the trees near the inlet bridge.  A Kingfisher flew along the brook, under the inlet bridge and settled some distance on a dead stump next to the brook from where it fished -I just had to get a record photo of this colourful gem.

19 September - a lovely warm autumn day

A look around a local lake produced two Sedge and one Reed Warbler, a Blackcap and several Chiffchaff.  There was a westerly movement of Meadow Pipits, these were high in the blue sky, ideal conditions for diurnal migration.  A Sparrowhawk was disturbed from the hedge by a tractor cultivating the field. On the lake the Mute Swan family was still present, Little Grebes 'trilled' repeatedly and the duck swam around lazily.

There was about 25 Swallows around the village today.  At least one House Martin is still feeding young in a nest at St. Marys.

I made a visit to Brandon marsh this afternoon, always worth a visit, with plenty to look for.  A few  butterflies were out, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Small Heath.

Fungi seem to be sprouting up well now, including bracket fungi that grow on trees, dead or living, like these on a Silver Birch.

In the bird line there was a Green Sandpiper on Teal pool, and appropriately at least 80 Teal were present. A single Wigeon was on east marsh, together with several Shoveler and Gadwall.  Five Snipe were found around the edges of the islands.  Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, two noisy Jays gave themselves away in the wood.  In all about 40 different birds were seen.  A noisy juvenile Buzzard, calling for food, a very familiar sound around the countryside now gave good views from the Ted Jury hide, see photo.

Finally, at Brandon there were plenty of Hornets flying and feeding on various flowers, quite amazing insects and nothing to fear!

18th September

Ten Swallows on the wires this morning, then flying around the fields, joined later by at least five House Martins.

During the morning butterflies were again active in the warm sun, a Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral were on Buddlia, Speckled Woods were on the hedges.  Others were about but to quick for me to ID.  

A Raven was high just to the west, being harried by a Jackdaw, which was no aerial match for it.  Jackdaws were trying to be acrobats after flying insects, as were a dozen Starlings.

A single Spotted Flycatcher remained making sorties from the bush, nearby two Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Bullfinch, Long-tailed tits, Goldcrest  worked the hedgerow.  Nuthatch, Coal Tit and the usual Tits and Sparows visited the feed station.  

A single Skylark fly over westward, and a Siskin flew over Northward.

17th September

A pleasantly warm day, at least most of it, becoming cloudier during the afternoon, much wildlife responding to the better weather.

Quite a few Speckled Wood were out on the hedges, see photo of one taken earlier this year. Also Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were on the wing.

Several Southern Hawker Dragonfly were found, often well away from water.  If you have a garden pond you may well attract Dragonflies, if so let me know if you do.

Two Marsh Tits were heard from the thick bushes, but could not be seen, numbers of these had decreased over recent times. Treecreeper, Chiffchaff and Blackcap were found in the local wooded area.  Nearby a single Spotted Flycatcher was briefly seen.

About 1150h I heard a distant 'croak' call, quickly looking up I spotted two Ravens lazily flying high over SW, enjoying the thermals, then two more joined therm, maybe a family. Once rarely seen here, now regular and likely breeding not too far off where suitable nest trees occur.

There was about 20 Swallows around the village and fields today - not for much longer I guess.

16th September
The expected rain never materialised, but it stayed cloudy with a N/NE wind, until early evening when it became even duller and a light shower - so autumn weather has really arrived.

This morning there were about 25 Swallows around still, with a few House Martins joining them later.   At the feed station Nuthatch, Coal Tit, a few more Tree Sparrows than yesterday plus upto 12 Greenfinches were helping themselves.  Goldcrests were present in the Church yard yew tree, a favourite place for them and at least one Chiffchaff was in the hedgerow.

It's been a long time since I have found a 'wild' pheasant successfully rearing young, but this morning I did find a hen bird with two poults (older young). Now the wheat is harvested game birds are more visible.  There are a few Red-legged Partridge that have been around all summer but they never seem to breed, it's very rare to see our Grey Partridge these days.

15th September

This morning there was a mixed flock of Swallows (c25) and House Martins (c20) feeding over the village and fields.  A Nuthatch, Coal Tit and several Tree Sparrows were visiting my feed station this afternoon, with a Chiffchaff in the hedge nearby.  Pride of place goes to the three Spotted Flycatchers which were catching insects from the bushes.  Almost certainly the birds that were seen yesterday, a family heading south - these winter south of the Sahara - so a long way to go.   Without getting too close I managed a couple of quick record photos, remember just click on the photo to enlarge.

There was a nice 'charm' of 12 Goldfinches feeding in the bush/tree above the 'old' phone box  late afternoon.

14th September
A day of some showers with a thunderstorm and heavy downpour, with hail, at about 1545h, warm though.

Just after one heavy shower this afternoon I noticed quite a lot of small bird activity in the thick church lane hedge.  Quickly grabbing my bins I could see a Coal Tit and several Chiffchaffs, plus Blue and Great Tits making their way along the hedge. This was interrupted by the thunderstorm, however as soon as this ceased the bird activity was even greater and I quickly found two Spotted Flycatchers on the hedge, followed by a Lesser Whitethroat.  All on migration southwards, no doubt having to sit out the storm.

Today, so far, I've seen about 6 Swallows together, maybe some left, but they may just be avoiding our local weather.

Autumn is a great time for searching out mushrooms and toadstools - so keep you eyes peeled.

13th September

This morning there were about 60 Swallows on the wires near Parsons Close, some of them are in the photo.

Recently Jackdaws have been very interested in helping the Sheep to keep clean, several were on the Sheep backs and heads this morning picking off tasty morsels.

A visit to the local lake produced five Siskins and two Water Rails were heard.  Bullfinch are nearly always present, as were two today.  A pair of Mute Swans have three cygnets, now well grown.  Also, at least three pairs of Little Grebes fledged young.   Several Speckled Wood were flying around the hedges.

Have you noticed just how many bushes and trees have leaves that have begun changing colour.

A visit to the local reservoir this afternoon was well worth it. A late Hobby was feeding on Dragonflies, many Chifchaffs and several Blackcaps were present, following the Long-tailed Tit flock.  Also, a Spotted Flycatcher was present, flying out catching food from the tall bushes.  A Common Sandpiper was feeding on the dam, then seven Siskin flew over low heading down the valley.  The number of Wigeon have now increased to about 40, there were two Red-crested Pochard present too.  All this just shows how the season is changing and that migration is in full swing.

At least five species of Dragonfly were making the most of a warm day, both Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell were present.  I then found a Hairy Shieldbug on my coat, these are widely distributed, but often overlooked.

12th September

Paid a visit to Shawell lagoons this afternoon.  These are pools of water that are used by the sand quarry, the area is restricted with no access but can be viewed from a couple of points.  Being close to the Cotesbach landfill they attract a large number of gulls, many of the common species, but also the scare and even rare visitors to the UK.  Today, there not as many gulls present as often which meant the chances of seeing anything unusual was less likely.  However, there were at least 3 yellow-legged gulls present - these originate from the Mediterranean and were rarely seen in the UK, now they are very frequent during the autumn and winter and love landfill sites.  The other thing that can be found here are colour ringed gulls, more on that another time.

While driving slowly down the Shawell lane (from the Cathorpe end) I noticed a family of Stoats playing on the verge, the young were most curious about my car and stood up on hind legs to get a proper look.  About a couple of weeks ago I found a dead Polecat, which has been flattened on the A5 by the lagoons.  One was killed there last year too.

Still 30-40 Swallows present around the village area.
 

11th September
A nice surprise this morning was a Redstart seen briefly. This time of year we have passage birds passing through which sometimes stay briefly. Redstarts are very scarce breeders in the Midlands, so unless you visit there woodlands their strongholds elsewhere in the UK you have to hope you see one on passage, especially in the autumn.

We still have about 40 Swallows around the village and fields.

Yesterday there was a Magpie on the back of a lamb, today two Jackdaws. I really must try for a photograph, it would be good to have a record.

10th September
A Red Kite drifted eastward low over the village at midday, in the glorious sunshine, looking quite splendid.  It can be only a matter of time before we see them regularly.  The nearest breeding is likely Northamptonshire, although a pair possibly bred a little closer this year as they were regularly present through the breeding season.  While viewing this bird a higher bird was spotted, a Sparrowhawk circling on the thermals.
Mistletoe and Song thrushes are returning to the Church yews for the berries.  Not so heavily laden this year, but still a reasonable crop.  The next birds to find them will be the Redwings when they return, either at the end of September or early October.  Although six were seen flying over a London park earlier this week, there always has to be the first to arrive.

9th September
A warmer day, maybe reaching 19C, with the wind swinging to a NE quarter, will this bring any unusual migrants in land I wonder?
This morning there were two House Martins over the village, we lost the breeding colony in Willey many years ago now, no idea why.  Now we see them only flying over usually after breeding has finished and they are dispersing for food.   There are still a good number flying around St. Mary's nursing home near Harborough Magna, where there is a breeding colony of about 30 nests, as well as a few nests in Lutterworths and the villages in SP58 10sq.

Swallows; today there were about 30 on the wires midday, then about 50 in a pre- roost flight over the village in the evening.  No doubt others have moved in and joined our remaining birds.

A couple of Yellow wagtails today, with about 30 Pied wagtails around the cattle.  It a great sight to see them dashing around picking up the insects as the cattle move grazing.  Sadly, the days of seeing a flock of Yellow wagtails around the cattle like the Pied have gone, so to see any in the autumn is always pleasing.  There is still a few pairs that bred in the area, but widely scattered now, so some years breeding may not be proven.

8th September

As mentioned yesterday it seems that some Swallows have departed overnight as I have only seen about 10 around the village and fields today.  No doubt they moved off as the front moved in overnight leaving today very cloudy, but dry.   Last year I saw my last 'Willey' Swallow on September 24th, there is every chance of some remaining until early October just keep your eyes peeled.

7th September
The weather has turned warm this week, with today sunny and about 18C, with a light NW wind.  This will help the late butterflies and other insects, which in turn will help fatten up the Juv Swallows before they leave us.  We are on the count down now so, any day, our 30 or so will be noticed by their absence.  As will our Yellow wagtails, two still feeding around the cattle.

Whilst cutting a hedge at Parson Close I noticed slight movement at my feet, it was a froglet, about a 2 cm body, climbing its way through the long grass.

A afternoon visit to Brandon Marsh produced quite a few butterflies and dragonflies, common darter were just that.  Nice to see 2 Green sandpipers on Teal pool and a Hobby hunting high above was nice to watch.

September 5th

Today started bright and sunny, with some warmth early on.  No doubt this encouraged the 20+ juv swallows to sit on the telegraph wires early on, with others feeding around the fields.
There was 1 Yellow Wagtail with the cattle this morning, plus a flock of Pied Wagtails.  The first Meadow Pipit flew over calling.

Birds are returning to the feed station, with a Nuthatch regularly present, thier constant calling readily make their presence known. A small number of Tree Sparrows are present, hopefully more as the autumn progresses.

A visit to a local lake produced several Chiffchaff, Little Grebes and Water Rail.  Two were calling from the reeds, making them invisible.  Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker were calling.  Several Speckled Wood butterflies were out, plus one Small Tortoiseshell and a Green-Veined  White.

4th September

We still have circa 30 Swallows around the village which spend much of the day feeding around the fields.  It seems this year they have been spending less time on the telegraph wires as they usually do and using the building in the fields for resting, why should this be?  There are 3 Yellow wagtails feeding actively around the cattle as they graze, often with Pied Wagtails, sometimes up to 15 of them.  A female Sparrowhawk regularly flies through the village and those with bird feeders are use to seeing the bird dash by.