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.