31 October - cloudy at.first, becoming sunny, light southerly, mild 15C

Two Kestrels were spotted as I traveled along Montilo lane this morning.

A Large White butterfly flew past the house and later, at Shawell lagoons, another butterfly (Peacock?) was flying  just indicating how mild the weather is currently.

Also, at Shawell gull numbers were reasonable, but nothing unusual today.  A Lesser-black backed Gull with a colour ring on was born in Wales.  About 20 Lapwing were present and later some 80 Wigeon flew in, including one Teal.  A Heron was hunting on one of the banks while three Stock Dove settled for a drink.

30th October - rain at first clearing mid morning, remaining cloudy, SW breeze, mild 15C

I made an afternoon trip to Brandon Marsh, to see what was about.  Ducks were well represented today with about 100 Wigeon, 70 Shoveler, 60 Pochard, 60 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck and 2 Pochard, Mallard numbers were quite low - about 10.

A Green Sandpiper was present on one pool and a possible second heard on the Newlands marsh area. About 100 Lapwing were on the main pool island.  A Kingfisher flew past at speed.  Cormorant are always present, like this one drying out.

There were lots of Long-tailed tits and Goldcrest in the thickets, small flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare were flying over or eating the haws.  Nuthatch, Coal Tit and several Chaffinch were at the feed station (very handy for the cafe window).  Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were around.
For a dismal afternoon weather-wise it turned out not so bad.

29th October - another cloudy day with spits and spots of rain during the day, giving way to steady drizzle late pm, but mild 13C, breeze SW

Not too much time today and the weather did not help but I did notice a Cormorant flying south and a Green Woodpecker called several times.  There were at least 10 Great Tits and a Coal Tit at the feed station.

Paul told me yesterday that he saw three Munjac deer walking along the field edge the other day, possibly a family.  Munjac, unusually for deer, do not have a breeding season but will raise young all year round, which goes to explain their spread through the country.  I'm sure they are becoming more bold and appearing during the day time now more than they once did.  They really don't have any serious predator here.

28th October - rain through the night until mid-day. Sunny afternoon and mild 14C

Not much to report today due to weather and busy.
A Jay was feeding on the verge along Motilo lane near St. Mary's.

Due to the rain and warmth low level ground mist started to form at 1645h, the visual effect this has over the landscape can be quite striking and give rise to some interesting views of half hidden features sticking out of the ground mist.

27th October - cloudy first then a sunny day, light wind, a balmy 16C

At lunch time a male Sparrowhawk visited the garden feeder.  A regular sight in the gardens and around the village.

The Goldfinch flock, about 20, is still around visiting several garden feeders daily, mostly in the mornings. During the afternoon small flocks of Fieldfare were flying over in several directions.  Two Goldcrest were in the hedge at the road bend and a Kestrel was hunting in the fields next to the Moors lane.

An afternoon walk over the Bittesby Township area and back along the old railway track (now renamed Bittesby wood) produced some sightings.  This area is quite good as it has been in a higher stewardship scheme for many years, but now threatened by development plans.   A Green Woodpecker was looking for food on the ground (ants their favourite), it saw me and flew off further only allowing a distant photo.

Several Fieldfare and Redwing were flying over high and Skylark was heard.  On the recently sown fields more than 20 Carrion Crows, ~50 Woodpigeons, ~15 Stock Doves, Jackdaws, Rook and ~40 Starlings were feeding.

In the game/bird cover area about 12 Yellowhammers, a few Chaffinch and Reed Buntings were feeding and looking for cover.

Walking along the brook I surprised a Kingfisher which call loudly and quickly flew off along the brook.  Its not ideal habitat for Kingfishers, but every now and then one puts in an appearance.

26th October - sunny day, light SE, 16C

During the day Skylarks flew over the village westward on several occasions.  A Chiffchaff was calling from the thick hedge during the afternoon.  Late afternoon several flocks of Starlings flew north, probably to a communal roost site.

25th October - Calm, high cloud with sunny spells later, feeling mild 11C

During the afternoon made a visit to the local reservoir, a hawking Dragonfly and a single butterfly (too distant to identify) indicated how calm and mild the weather felt.

The winter Wigeon flock has now grown to about 100, the Tufted Duck are about 200 and Gadwall at 22 today.  Seven Red-crested Pochard were also present, diving for weed, these may well stay for the winter. The Greylag Goose flock stands at about 175, hopefully this will pull in some other geese species as winter progresses.  Cormorants were present, with numbers increasing to 34 at roost time.

A Snipe flew up from the neighbouring field, whilst seven Stock Doves fed on the stubble.  Two Kingfishers were zipping about, both Grey and Pied Wagtails were around the dam area.  Several Long-tailed Tit flocks were roaming with them several Goldcrest and one Chiffchaff was present.  A Coal Tit and at least 15 Tree Sparrows were at the feed station.

Winter thrush numbers are increasing steadily now, there was at least 70 Redwings and 150 Fieldfare feeding on the hedge berries.  Also making the most of the Haws were two Grey Squirrels.

There were plenty of other birds species to see, in total I managed 54 different species.

24th October - rain during the day, until early evening, 12C

Not a good day for observing, still the Horse Chestnut with the rising  moon (not the sun) looks splendid.

23rd Oct - Cloudy, v light W wind, mild 12C

First thing four Siskin were flying around the village, one Fieldfare and several Redwing flew from the old railway track trees.  Four Goldfinch were feeding on the ground whilst two Bullfinch called from the thick hedge.  Also, a male Blackcap was feeding on elder berries and up to 10 Greenfinch were feasting on blackberries.  Four Mistle Thrush were in the Holly Tree, A Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Coal Tit were at the feed station.

A small finch flew over too quickly which I could not identify, which was shame as it was likely something scarce in this area.

This afternoon I visited Eyebrook reservoir area in the hope of seeing the American Golden Plover that turned up there yesterday and was seen again this morning.  Clearly, a bird well from were it should be, being the wrong side of the Atlantic.  In recent years a very small number of these birds turn up in the country, mostly in the autumn.  This is the second record for Leicestershire the first was in 1997, some 18 years ago.   Fortunately, after searching fields and then the reservoir inlet area a flock of (European) Golden Plover flew in from feeding in the fields and among them was their American' cousin.  I tried a photo with the camera I had, a bit too far really, but you can see it, the dark bellied plover just right of center in between the Lapwing.

A couple of years ago a 'Pacific Golden Plover' turned up at Rutland water, just a few miles away from Eyebrook, that bird was even further from its normal range - the far East.

22nd October - Cloudy start, clearing to give some sunshine during the afternoon, light wind westerly, 13C

Early morning saw some bird movement, a single Fieldfare flew SW, further Redwings moved over as did several Chaffinch flocks, a single Yellowhammer and about 20 Goldfinch landed nearby.  A Green Woodpecker 'laughed' nearby and two Chiffchaffs were calling from the thick hedge with a flock of Long-tailed Tits.

Mid-morning a Raven flew over the village calling, having explored the fields to the north.

Early evening a cock Pheasant could be heard 'going-to' roost in trees on the old railway track.

Sue invited me to take a look at the range of fungi that has sprung up in her paddock.  Some interesting specimens, here are a few pictures to show the variety.  I have not identified them all by name yet, but you can still appreciate them, remember to 'click'  the photo to enlarge it.

21st October - Llight rain clearing early morning, then cloudy, 14C

There was a Jay looking for food along Montilo Lane this morning.  At Mid-day one or two Skylarks flew westward over the village.  A quick look at the feed station, a Nuthatch and Coal Tit were present plus the other usual attendees.

Mid-afternoon, 20 Redwings flew in to trees along the old  railway track.  After a rest, some carried on their flight westward making their high pitch 'tseep' call as they went.

20th October - a much brighter day at last, mild 16C

Had to be in London today and had hoped to have a walk around Green Park and St. James Park lake, both can turn up some interesting sighting.  However, I had not considered the Chinese president visit to Buckingham palace which meant these two parks were overflowing with people heading that way.  I gave up after a short while, the best sighting was a flock of Long-tailed Tits.

The leaves are coming in their own now, and with some sun should look quite stunning over the coming week, just as the church Horse Chestnut did in the late sun.

19th October - Another cloudy day, light wind, 12C

It seems the dull weather makes the wildlife less keen on being seen and heard.  A few more Redwings arrived, with a flock of about 25 arriving mid-day.

18th October - Another cloudy, dullish day, very light N breeze so feeling a bit warmer, 12C

A morning walk around the local lake produced four Little Grebe and the Mute Swam family still, no other duck species apart from Mallard.
A single Redwing flew over while several Blackbirds and Song Thrush ate berries.  Two Lesser Redpoll were present feeding before flying off.

17th October - high cloud again, sun very occasionally peeked through, 12C, light NE breeze

A Raven moved low over the village to the fields to the north, frequently calling, just after mid-day.

The day seemed to get duller and cooler with the NE wind picking up a little more.  I thought an afternoon visit to Shawell lagoons may be a good idea for Gulls and other water birds.  As it happened numbers of these were lower than expected, but reading colour rings on the Gulls is always interesting.  Carl was there, he is a very good on Gull identification and had already read some rings.  One Black-headed Gull, which has been seen here before, had been ringed in Poland where it was breeding.  The other ring numbers have to submitted to find out their owners wanderings.

Great-black Backed, Lesser-black Backed, Herring, Common, Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls were all present today.

Other birds around included a dozen Wigeon, Tufted Ducks, only two Mallard, two Little Grebes, two Mute Swans.  About 30 Lapwings rested on the shore, a Grey Wagtail flew around and the ever present Buzzards often flew over or spied for food from the fence posts.

Back at the village another flock of Redwings flew over, hesitated lover the tree tops but decided not to land and continued westward.  Two Mistle Thrushes were feeding in the Holly tree, eating the berries.

At this time of year and the next couple of months berries and fruit are a major source of food for many birds and other animals.  Fortunately this year the hedges and trees are well laden, as illustrated by the Holly bush below and should get winter off to a good start.

 

16th October - cloudy, pretty dull most of the day, NE light breeze, 11C

Not too much seen today., the weather not helping.  A few more small flocks of Redwing headed south and a few stopped over. One or two Chiffchaffs were again present in the thick hedge with the Tits and Goldcrest.

15th October - cloudy day, steady NE, feeling cool, 10C

Had to be in Coventry for 8-00am, got out the car in sight of the Cathedral to a flock of 30 Redwings flying over westward.

Back in Willey mid-morning and another flock of Redwing settled for a rest in the Ash trees before moving on.  Both yesterday and today considerable migration has been taken place with many winter birds arriving in the country from the east and today thousands of Redwings and hundreds of Fieldfares were reported moving along the Severn valley.   Soon these will be dispersed over the UK and into southern Europe.

A number of Jays were seen around today, no doubt collecting nuts and burying them for their winter larders.  A single Chiffchaff is still around, while three Tree Sparrows put in an appearance at the feed station.  Some 80 black-headed Gulls, two Common and four Lesser Black Backed Gulls flew over looking for fields being cultivated to feed on.

14th October - Sunny start, cloudy afternoon with later shower. Steady NE making the 12C feel cooler

At 8-00am the first Redwings of the autumn, a group of 9 flew over, calling, on their way SW.  No further sighting during the day.

An afternoon visit to the local reservoir was rather quite.  A Water Rail was heard in the reeds and 3 Chiffchaffs were in roving Tit flocks with Goldcrests.  About 100 Pochard duck have now arrived for the winter and there is still about 60 Mute Swans present.

13th October - cloudy at first becoming sunny, then cloudy afternoon, 12C

First thing, a charm of 12 Goldfinch flew over, followed by a few  Skylarks. A single Chiffchaff called from the thick hedge.

Still no Redwing or Fieldfare seen in the area, a small number of the former have been seen in the local counties.  Only small numbers were reported arriving in to Norfolk from the east last week.

At mid-day I noticed a Hairy Shieldbug  on the window.

A quick visit to the local lake early afternoon, the weather was quite dull, but there is always something to see.  A Green Woodpecker called and a Siskin flew around and settled in nearby trees.  The Mute Swan family were still present and 2 Little Grebe 'trilled'.  A party of Long-tailed Tits worked the hedgerow and a Sparrowhawk dashed past.

Two dragonflies were still hawking and feeding on the abundant small insects flying in the sheltered areas.

One the path around the lake several fungi were fruiting, here is a selection.

12th October - a touch of ground frost first then, then sunny 12C

Back at Willey it was good to see the regular birds at the feed station, several Greenfinch and Chaffinch, a Nuthatch, Coal Tit, several House Sparrows but still only one Tree Sparrow.  A Mistle Thrush was eating Yew berries and at least two Chiffchaff were still around the Church cemetery and back lane area.  These liked to search the thick Ivy that has late flowers and berries and is a magnet to insects.  As the sun shone on the Ivy at lease three Speckled Wood flitted about and fed on the flowers.

Two Pied and one Grey Wagtail were flying around the village, whilst earlier eight Skylarks flew over westward.

On the Hedgehog front Jo-An has told me that she often sees at least one.  So, it does seem we have a small breeding population in the east central area of the village.  The question is, are there any on the west side of the village ? Let me know if you see one.


While in Norfolk I found the following fungi at Friary Hills.  Firstly, a 'Shaggy (ink) Cap' or 'Lawyers Wig', then a 'Shaggy Parasol', this was one of the largest I've seen, a good 10 inches diameter.  Neither are rare, but the right habitat is needed to find them.

While sea-watching a bug landed on my scope, I've not yet identified it by name but still quite impressive.
It seems to be a bug called Pithanus maerkelii, it does not have a common name.  If it is this, then it is quite late as the season is usually given as June to August.

11th October - stiff east wind, sunny 14C

Last day of this Norfolk sojourn.
An early morning walk along Friary Hills at Blakeney produced a hunting Kestrel and then a Barn Owl (shame I did not take my camera).  The hopes of some small migrant birds brought in by the wind were dashed, but local birds included a Chiffchaff and a singing Cetti's Warbler plus the usual finches and Tits.

The wind continued and the thought of passing seabirds at Cley was next on the agenda.  Again a general disappointment. Gannets were numerous, plus plenty of Brent Geese, a single Red-throated Diver, Gulls and the occasional Seal, but little else passed by.  Then, in a flash, a Short-earded Owl came in to view off-shore and dashed for cover over the shingle bank and onto the salt marsh.  This bird had just flown over the North sea, probably from Scandinavia.

The iconic windmill at Cley-next-the -Sea overlooking the marshes.

While driving along the lanes later the following exotic walked slowly across the road - a 'jay-walker'!

10th October - Sunny intervals, 14C, east wind

An early morning sea watch at Cley this morning at last produced some seabirds. The east wind ideal for getting things moving.

A single Fulmar and Red-throated Diver moved past.  Then the number of auks increased with small flocks passing, a mixture of Razorbill and Guillemot.  Gannets moved mostly eastward, these were nearly all juveniles.  Brent Geese and othe wildfowl were on the move too and it was good to see four drake Eider duck fly westward.  Far out towards the wind farm (20 Km offshore) many other unidentifable birds flew past at speed.

Paid a visit to Felbrigg Hall, a great place to see with much of the interior untouched.  The grounds are extensive, over a thousand acres of wood, pasture and lake to explore.  A place that is well worth returning to for exploring.

6th October - showers

An earlier morning seawatch at Cley did not produce much at all. A few Gannets headed east, while a Red-throated Diver and two Fulmar headed West, otherwise very quite.  A flock of about 100 Goldfinches feed on the beach shingle weeds.

The weather did not help during the day with many birds hiding or not migrating.  At Wells there were about 500 Brent Geese in the harbour entrance and a few Brambling flew in off the sea.

5th October - Showers

Friary Hills @ Blakeney Norfolk.  While walking long the path a large flock of Tits of various species ca me by, after searching for a while a Yellow-browed Warbler was found among them.  These small gems should migrate east towards Asia but every year some head the wrong way and end up in the UK, this year has been exceptional good for them.

A large 'toadstool' was found too, I shall upload a photo in due course.

Posts will be Little erratic, but I shall catch soon.

5th October - rain at times, mild

I visited the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve today on the Ouse Washes.  The weather was not too good, but still a nice selection of birds to be seen.  One main attraction here is the wintering Whooper and Bewicks Swans that migrate here.  At the moment none have returned, but seven Whooper Swans which were unable to return in the spring and had to summered here were visible.  Plenty of Teal and Wigeon plus other ducks.  Two Snipe fed at the pool edges, whilst a Curlew rested.  There were many Golden Plover about the washes too.  A Marsh Harrier and Kestrel hunted the marshes.

4th October - another sunny day, warm 17C, light SW

One Swallow was seen hawking insects today mostly around the Stable area and Parsons Close.  Two Nuthatch, Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and a Blackcap all put in an appearance this morning.

A visit to the local lake was most interesting this afternoon.  Five Tufted Duck and a single male Wigeon were with the Mallards.

The Adult Mute Swans were encouraging the now full grown cygnets to fly by taking long flapping trips across the lake, the cygnets were clearly getting the idea.  Soon to be off to some larger water or river for the winter.

Several Speckled Wood were dancing in the sunshine, and quite a few Dragonflies were dashing about, probably Migrant Hawkers.  Several Ruddy Darters were making the most of the sun and warmth too.

The main surprise was to find a Stonechat sitting atop an Ash sapling next to the lake.  This was a first winter female making its way south for the winter.

Back in the village a bat was whizzing about just before dusk, probably a Pipestrelle from our local colony in the Church.

3rd Oct - High cloud all day, 14C

First thing a female Sparrowhawk flew through hunting, making the birds at the feed station dive for cover. They soon ventured out and a Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker were quickly feeding.

Three Swallows were overhead during the morning, this evening there were four, they looked like two adults and 2 juveniles - probably a family.

This afternoon I visited Eyebrook reservoir to see if I could find the Spoonbill that has been present a couple of days - yes it was still there.  A juvenile, hatched this year, probably in the UK now we have regular nesting colonies.  Take a look at the bill!

Flying along the reservoir I spotted two Red Kites, although light and distance made a photo not great.

Last night I placed the remote camera were the hedgehogs had been feeding under the bird table.  Two showed, although they did not pose well for their photo.

2nd October - cloudy, cool start leading to a glorious sunny afternoon and warm 18C+

Birds seemed extra active this morning.  First off two Swallows were flying around the village and later on the wires.  A male and female Blackcap worked the thick hedge and ate elderberries.  Several Chiffchaffs were also present, sometimes singing and often chasing the other small birds present; Blue and Great Tits, a family of Long-Tailed Tits and single Coal Tit.  At one point five plus Blue Tits and  Great Tit were scouring the topmost part of the Church tower for food, whilst a Robin and Chaffinch watched from the top battlement.  Goldcrests and Mistle Thrushes fed in the Yew tree.

At the feed station two Nuthatches visited together today, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, more than 15 House Sparrows were in attendance, but only two Tree Sparrows.  Ten or more Greenfinch were present, often sitting in the dead tree tops, three Linnet were present occasionally with them.

During the afternoon I spotted a lone Ladybird, very few seen this year.  A single Comma butterfly fed on the last Buddleia flower.

Mid-sized rabbits are very prevalent now, ideal food for the Buzzards and road kill carrion for the Magpies.

1st October - cloudy start, becoming a lovely sunny afternoon, light Easterly 18C

The day started with a Pied Wagtail sitting on the roof top, 'chirrupping' away for a long time.  Twelve Goldfinches flew in to the top of the Horse Chestnut next to the church and surveyed the area.  During the afternoon Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Large White were flying

A visit to the nearby lake during the morning produced a single Teal and Gadwall, both fairly unusual on this lake and a Snipe flew off out of the reed bed.  Numbers of Blackbirds and Song Thrush had increased from my last visit, feeding on the Hawthorn berries.  These maybe local, but we do have continental birds arrive here for the winter, so who knows if they are local birds or not.  A single Lesser Redpoll flew over and several Bullfinches were calling.  Several Chiffchaff were present in a Tit flock.

Several fungi were blooming, including an Earthball - what a brilliant name!

An afternoon visit to the local reservoir did not produce too much, until a Avocet flew in calling, circled around then flew off eastward.  A bird usually found along coastal pools and marshes, but there are some inland breeding sites now as numbers have recovered.

The other day I mentioned Hedgehogs, this evening Richard and Stella told me about their garden Hedgehogs, two have been visiting their garden and often feed under the bird tables, as indeed this one was this evening (with a little red-eye).  While watching a Tawny Owl was calling very close by.