31st Oct - Foggy start, becoming sunny and very warm, 17C, very light SW/Still

An incredibly mild, mostly sunny day which is most rare for the last day of October.  Jackdaws and Starling were having a great time hawking insects over the village.

I popped in to Frolesworth manor lake this morning.  At the game cover a number of finches and buntings were present and their numbers will build as winter progresses, also several Tree Sparrow were present.  On the neighbouring field were c75 Lapwing.  Very little was on the lake, it contains a very small island which has been taken over by a large blackberry bush, right at the top of this was a Moorhen eating ripe blackberries, I managed a (poor due to the light) photo before it dropped in to the bush.

  The afternoon saw a trip to Brandon Marsh.  There was plenty of Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard and Gadwall, a single drake Goldeneye and Great-crested Grebe on the east marsh.  A Little Grebe from the Carlton hide and at the bottom hide a Green Sandpiper was heard calling in flight.  A Grey Heron flew in and settled.

In the trees six+ Stock Doves were sitting, a Kestrel settled on the marsh post for a while.  Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest and Treecreeper were heard, then a Chiffchaff heard calling in the willows.  A great-spotted Woodpecker flew over and several Fieldfare and Redwings were seen.  Water Rail called from the reeds in a couple of places and a Cetti's Warbler burst in to song.

Next to one path there was an old (Ash) stump that had a fantastic grouping of different fungi on it.  I've not identified them yet, but they looked great and can be appreciated as is.

Another fungus was spotted along the path.

The autumn colours could be appreciated today as the sunny made them stand out, here is a view across Brandon marsh reed bed.  I did see a butterfly going away from me, possibly a Small tortoiseshell.

Finally, back at the village at 1725h (nearly dark now we have put the clocks back) a Tawny Owl flew on to the church roof cross and called a few times, another answered it, before flying off.

30th Oct - Cloudy, still/v. v. light breeze SW, 14C

It quite noticeable the number of insects flying still, Bees are still buzzing about, I'm sure insectivorous birds are having a good feeding time in the run up to winter.

This morning I looked around the local lake, fairly quite though.  The Mute Swan family is still in situ, and one Wigeon on the lake with the Mallard and Little Grebe,  a Water Rail called from the reeds.  A few Redwings and Fieldfare were about, although there was a larger mixed flock further along the lane in the tree tops.

A visit to Stanford reservoir in the afternoon also had a quite feel about it, although the usual passerines were found.  A single Chiffchaff was heard calling from the Willows.  Treecreeper, Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker, two Jays, Redwing and Fieldfare were all around.

On the water there is now three Goldeneye, five Shoveler, a Teal, 16 Pochard, a good number of Wigeon, 30+Mallard, several Tufted Duck and 25+Great-crested Grebe.

Along on side a Muncjac was out feeding, with several Pheasants, I managed a record photo.  Further around the reservoir I spotted another Muncjac, this was much closer and allowed a better photo.

29th Oct - cloudy, dull v. light drizzle first thing, very light SW, 16C

A Hooded Crow had been reported near Swithland reservoir, we don't get many in this part of the Midlands, so this afternoon I decided to go and see it,  Fortunately it was still present in a maize stubble field in the presence of Rook and Carrion Crows.  When on the ground it was not possible to get a photo, however, they flew up in to trees so a few record shots were possible.

A good number of Redwing and Fieldfare were also flying over the fields.

I then had a look over Swithland reservoir, the water level is fairly low, providing a shore.  This was quite attractive to Little Egret (11) and Grey Heron (6+).  There were plenty of Wigeon and Teal, plus a good number of Shoveler and Gadwall.  Three Goldeneye were on the main water and six (maybe more) Mandarin duck were hiding under the willows on the small side.  A Grey Wagtail was along the dam, in the wooded area behind two Nuthatch and a Great-spotted Woodpecker called.

Next it was heading off to Shawell lagoons for the usual Gull fest, however shooting nearby had disturbed the Gulls so numbers were very low.   A single Cormorant was present - fishing and then on the shore drying.

I noticed to the right of the Cormorant an adult Yellow-legged Gull.  A few mallard, single Teal and 15 Tufted duck were present, along with 27 Canada and 38 Grey Lag Geese.  A Grey Heron was standing on the outflow pipe and a Little Grebe was on the south lagoon.  A Snipe flew in and disappeared in to the reeds

A Green Woodpecker flew on to a post, before departing and two Goldcrest were feeding in the hedgerow.

28th. Oct - mostly cloudy, 14C, light breeze SW

The fairly mild, benign cloudy weather continues, most unusually for October with little rain this month.

This evening 2100h the Tawny Owls were quite vocal near the village..

27th Oct - mostly cloudy, light SW, 13C

Very similar to yesterday with Thrushes moving over.
10+ Goldfinch flew in to the neighbours garden to their feeders this morning.

Another busy day with the cattle TB test readout being performed, fortunately all clear so the cattle were returned to the fields and headed straight off to munch on the fallen leaves which they like.  Also, the local Badgers can breathe easy as they won't be implicated in this part of the county by the powers that be.   As bTB is now so widespread across the country and 'in the environment' why there is not more drive for cattle vaccination is still a puzzle to many.

26th Oct - Mostly Cloudy, late pm sunshine, 13C, light breeze SW

A steady movement of Redwing and (fewer) Fieldfare south/southwest during mostly during the morning and a few during the later daytime too.

Little time for obs due to new window fitting.today.

25th Oct - misty at first, high cloud, very light breeze/still, 11C

First thing, to the west of the village, about 100 each of Redwing and Fieldfare were resting in tree tops before continuing their journey westward.

In the hedge and trees there were several Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows, probably feeding on the cultivated field.  A Mistle Thrush flew from the electric wires over the Long Spinney towards Newman Paddox.

At 1015h a Raven flew south over the village calling.

About 1230h a small flock, ~10, of Starlings were flying and gliding catching insects.  This just shows how the recent moderate weather is still allowing many insects to be out and about.

24th Oct - mostly high cloud, light breeze, 10C

No obs today, due to helping TB test cattle

23rd Oct - sunny spells, clearing later, mod NE wind, 10C

I visited Stanford reservoir again this afternoon, on arrival a Red Kite flew over me quite low and circled against the wind for a couple of minutes.  The light was wrong, but I managed a few photos as it passed overhead.

On the reservoir there was about 200 Wigeon today, also 24 Pochard - the highest count for a while, two Shoveler, three Teal, Mallard and Tufted Duck.  Grey Lag numbered 148 and Canada Geese 10.  Two Little grebe were in their usual area and Cormorants have increased to 29.  A Grey Heron flew along the reservoir.

Lots of Lon-tailed Tits, Blue and Great Tits and Goldcrests, but no Yellow-browed Warbler today - one was seen, briefly, a few days ago.  At least six Bullfinches were in the bushes around the reservoir and c25 Goldfinch were feeding on thistles and in the hawthorn hedge.

A good number of Redwing were around, feeding, but only one Fieldfare was seen.  Also, Blackbird and Song Thrush numbers were good, presumably many were migrants.  A Jay 'scalded' as I disturbed it, probably gathering acorns

Late on the usual Gulls started gathering on the water to roost and a flock of c100 Starling flew over NW to their roost, I have an idea where this maybe and will check it soon.

22nd Oct - Sunny spells, light-mod NE wind, 10C

Late morning I spent a while checking the feed station to see what was visiting.  Initally it was being raided by several Jackdaw and Magpies, these disappeared.  Then some 35 House Sparrows were making the most of the food and sunbathing next to the hedge out of the wind.  A couple of Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tits were feeding too.  A single Coal Tit and Tree Sparrow put in an appearance.  so, the birds are rapidly returning to the feed station area.

Several Redwings were flying around the hedges, a few Goldfinch were sheltering in the Blackthorn bushes and two Bullfinch moved through, a Mistle Thrush called and with a Song Thrush flew in to the church Yew tree, a single Yellowhammer called from the saplings near the neighbours field.  A Grey and several Pied Wagtails were heard nearby.

In the afternoon I made another visit to Shawell lagoons, there was about a 1000 Gulls present - preening and bathing or having a rest - sorting through them was going to be a challenge.

I reckoned there was, minimum for each,  500 Lesser Black-backed, 35 Greater Black-backed, 150 Herring, 2 Yellow-legged, 10 Common and 200 Black-headed Gulls.  A juvenile Mute Swan was present along with a single Wigeon.  Two Snipe were are the waters edge, then c100 lapwing flew in for a wash and brush-up.

The water in the south lagoon is a little low at the moment, which may explain the lack of duck numbers, only 14 Tufted Duck and six Little Grebe.

In the bushes six Long-tailed Tit, two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were seen.

21st Oct - sunny periods, light NW, 13C

This morning I visited Stanford reservoir, a flock of about 20 Fieldfare flew over, and there were a good number of Redwing feeding on the berries.  Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch and c20 Lesser Redpoll were around the bushes, plus the usual Tits and Goldcrest.

As I searched one area where Stonechat has been seen recently two birds flew in from height and settled on a bush, I got a good view and could see they were Tree Pipit - migrating through.

The water level in the reservoir is going down slowly as some maintenance work is required, this will affect the winter duck number and species, and will bring in a selection of other birds not often seen here.  No Wigeon here today, a few Gadwall and Teal and Little Grebe though.  The male Goldeneye was still here, alone.  A Water Rail was heard from the reeds near the dam.

A fungi was fruiting, I think Chanterelle, near the dam in the grass, common in the UK but still nice to see.

An afternoon look at Shawell Lagoons produced the usual Gulls, Little Grebe, Green Woodpecker and a few more expected regulars, a bit quite really.

20th Oct - cloudy at first, then sunny spells, light shower afternoon, 12C, light NW

A Chiffchaff was calling from the church lane hedge first thing, with other passerines.

At last, a familiar 'chuckle' call over head told me the first Fieldfares are here, together with a few Redwings three headed westward.

A morning look round the local lake was interesting, two male Pochard were present with a single Tufted Duck, four Little Grebe, five+ Moorhen and the Mute Swan family, also about 20 Black-headed and two Common Gulls were on the lake.  A Chiffchaff was calling, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Bullfinch were present in the bushes, along with several Blackbirds and Song Thrushes.  A lone Treecreeper was search the hawthorn trunks in the borderng thick hedge.

A Rabbit was having a snack on the pathway.

In the village church yard at least 20 Shaggy Inkcaps are fruiting, together with another species as a dense clump, which I think is Clustered Brittlestem (third photo)

A butterfly flying by high was an  indication that the weather is generally still mild still.

19th Oct - sunny spells, light - mod NW wind, 14c

This morning I visited Lubenham, near Market Harborough and noted a Red Kite flying passed SW, pursued by a Carrion Crow.

I filled my fed station up for the first time since summer yesterday, just after lunch I had a quick look to see what was present, if anything.  There were several Blue and Great Tits, several Chaffinch, a couple of Greenfinch and Hoise Sparrow plus a Nuthatch.

A Mistle Thrush flew in to a nearby tree and six Collared Doves sat on the telegraph wires.  Mid-afternoon I spotted eight Golden Plover flying eastward to the north side of the village.

18th Oct - early morning band of showers, followed by sunny spells, moderate-breezy SW/wow wind, 14C

Another quite day.

Still only a small number of Redwings about, no Fieldfares here yet.

17th Oct - Sunny period, breezy Southerly, 15C

Back at Willey things were rather quite today. A few Redwings were heard and Skylarks too as they flew over.  At 0815h a Sparrowhawk dashed through the village.  Two Mistle Thruh were flying over the fields to the west of the village.  Mid morning a Red Admiral was seen flying by.

Johnathan has told me that on the way to work in the mornings he has counted up to 13 Buzzards sitting on an arable field, presumably hunting worms etc, along the Pailton road.

16th October (Norfolk) - rain during the morning giving way to sunny periods, warm light-mod, southerly 16C

Up before sunrise to visit the Titchwell reserve particularly to see the morning flights of Geese and Plovers from roost and possible Jack Snipe and Yellow-browsed Warblers which have been seen recently.
Walking from the car park through the wooded area to the main trail the usual woodland birds were seen, the main trail was quite, the sun not yet up.  From the Island hide the usual ducks and waders were feeding, but no Jack Snipe at the usual location.  Eventually Brent Geese, Pink-feet Geese and Golden Plovers started filling the sky with some great flights over and also on to the reserve.

Walking back along the main trail, just at the junction with the meadow trail I heard the call of a Yellow-browsed Warbler, after searching the bushes and eliminating the Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests I saw the warbler searching for food, fortunately it showed well and I watched for a while.  A man appeared with sound recording equipment (I had already seen several others), anyhow I pointed out the YBW and he was able to get some recordings of it calling very close-by.

I headed-off for breakfast, during which rain  and wind set in.  Not being too pleasant I filled the morning doing something else, once the sun returned early afternoon I headed to Holkham to explore the wood and pasture west of Lady Ann's drive.  There were lots of Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests with other usual small passerines in the pines.  Several Redwings were taking shelter from the wind.

On the meadows Pink-feet and GreyLag Geese grazed, a single Snipe flew over, a Heron and Kingfisher hunted along one of the ditches.  On Salts Pool three Little Grebe were present and a few Mallard.  On the Pools opposite Washington hide a Great White Egret was stalking for food, several Gadwall were also present.  Kestrel and Buzzard hunted over the meadows and two Jay called from within the pine trees.

Several Dragonfly and Butterfly were on the wing, Red Admiral was identified, but the other were too far/high to identify.

15th Oct - sunny spells, light southerly, 15C

Today I went to a vintage sale before making my way to the Norfolk coast to stay at Old Hunstanton.  A brief look out to sea when I arrived and along the shore late afternoon produced the following, several small flocksof Brent Geese moving off shore, Sanderling, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit and Oystercatchers on the shore.  A single Little Egret hunted the shore line.  Four unidentified Auks flew past distantly, as did a Great-crested Grebe and another fished just off shore.


It is always fascinating to see migration in progress and a number of birds were flying in off the sea (from Scandinavia likely), most not identifiable due to distance, sometimes some flew directly over head and quickly finding somewhere to rest, which included Redwings and Fieldfares.

14th Oct (Welney WWT) - Cloudy, light breeze, 12C

I made my way to the WWT reserve at Welney on the Ouse washes today.  Naturally plenty of duck were showing on the pools, surprisingly a drake mandarin duck was also present on the island sitting in front of the main hide.  No Whooper Swans were present about from a few that had summered here, probably due to having injury preventing flight, a pair did breed though.  Obviously there was plenty of our feral Canada and Grey Lag Geese, additionally I found three European White-fronted Geese which have arrived for the winter.

Several waders were found, many Snipe, a few Black-tailed Godwit, two Ringed Plover and a single Ruff.  A couple of Water Rail were calling from the reeds.

Three Marsh Harriers and several Kestrel were hunting the meadows

On the furthest field several Cranes were feeding, often out of view behind the vegetation, but sometimes good views were had, I could see 13.  Then, when I was walking along the track returning I heard the Cranes calling and 14 flew directly over me, a great sight.

A mixed flock of about 100 Redwing and 20 Fieldfare were flying around looking for a resting place.

13th Oct - sunny spells, a couple brief showers, light NE, 11C

More Redwings were flying around this morning, some feeding on the bushes, others continuing their journey S/SW.
A Great Tit was singing in the spinney east of the village and a Chiffchaff called from the hedge to the west.

12thOct - sunny spells, light showers, light Steady NE, 12C

ASiskin was heard calling as it flew over west first thing, at the top pond a Grey Wagtail was feeding.   We had had a dry couple of months so the ponds have receded a long way exposing plenty of mud for  food.

A look at Shawell lagoons this afternoon produced about a 1000 gulls, the best being a first winter Caspian, several Yellow-legged and Common Gulls. The majority were Lesser Black-backed, with significantly more Herring Gulls present than last weekend.  Great Black-backed were at about the same number.

105 Lapwings were in roosting, single Pied and Grey Wagtails and a couple of Moorhens, duck numbers were low.

11th Oct - Very misty morning, clearing late morning, little sun late pm, light easterly, 11C

No time today to get out and about.

I did notice a Common Green Grasshopper clinging under the window frame, the season for these can be into November.

10th Oct - sunny spells, light shower later afternoon, light easterly, 12C

I was passing the local lake this morning so I stopped for a quick look.  Several Redwings were feasting on the Hawthorn berries, a roving flock of Long- tailed, Blue and Great Tits, with Goldcrest were in the side hedge, a Chiffchaff or two too.
The Mute Swan family were making a noise, the reason soon became apparent as the family did a practice take-off along the lake, the juveniles spreading their wings literally.  This made all the other water birds scatter for shelter out of the way into the reeds, soon re-appearing.  A Dragonfly or two was flying around the bush tops.

During the afternoon I visited Stanford reservoir again, mostly similar to my last visit, but no Rock Pipit today.  A good flock of Linnets, at least 70, were feeding on the neighbouring arable field, along with 20 or so Goldfinch.  A Sparrowhawk cvirled over and was quickly challenged by several Linnets, try to see it off. Under the Beeches near the entrance about 20 Chaffinch were feeding, any day there should be Brambling with them, some have already been seen in the Midlands.

9th Oct - sunny morning, becoming cloudier, 14C, light shower later afternoon, light easterly

About 20 Redwing were in the trees behind the village, plus a few more over, all moved off SW.  A couple of Goldcrest were in the church yard confers and a Mistle Thrush in the Yew tree, probably after the berries as a Blackbird was.

I visited Shawell lagoons this morning, not many Gulls were present, however a Kingfisher made an appearance, three Snipe were resting at the waters edge and a Grey Heron stalked.  106 Lapwing came in from the nearby arable field to rest and preen.  A single Pied and grey Wagtail were around the pools.

On the arable field, where the Lapwings had been feeding previously, the number of Pied Wagtails had reach 37, plus a few Starlings and a Meadow Pipit, two Kestrels circled over before moving off.

On an adjacent arable field recently sown two Buzzards were searching the ground closely for worms and other morsels.

During the afternoon I visited Stanford reservoir which proved most interesting.  I first viewed the dam and quickly spotted a dark Pipit, it was a Rock Pipit, the first for me at this site and a scare visitor to these parts.  I managed some record shots, fortunately Chris came along and was able to digiscope it to give a bigger image.

On the dam also five each of Pied and Grey Wagtails were flitting about, often chasing each other. Continuing around the reservoir it was apparent there were numerous Chiffchaff usually with Tits, Treecreeper and Goldcrests all busily feeding.  Two Raven flew over, occasionally calling.  At the inlet end 22 House Martins were feeding along and over the trees.

On the water were about 100 Wigeon, two female Pintail, four Gadwall, two Teal, a Goldeneye along with Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and Mute Swans.  A Water Rail called from the reed bed, two Little Grebe stayed in its shelter and a Grey heron Stalked the edge.

Two Jay were calling loudly, as did a Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker.

8th Oct - mostly cloudy, a little brighter late afternoon, light NE breeze, 15C

A look at the local lake first thing, a couple of (Lesser) Redpoll were in the Alders, but flew off, three Chiffchaffs were in the bushes with several Bullfinch too.  On the lake was five Wigeon, the Mute Swan family, two plus Little Grebe, a Water Rail Called from the reeds.

At Shawell Lagoons this afternoon the Gull numbers were higher, at least 20 Great Black-backed and several Common Gulls were present today.  Several Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages were in and among these and the hundreds of Lesser Black-backed Gulls a Caspian Gull, juvenile, was found.  About 40 Lapwing flew in and settled on the shore area, these had been feeding on the nearby arable field that was being cultivated.
On the southern pool were three Little Grebe, a single Snipe sat at the waters edge and a Common Sandpiper was feeding along the edge.  Again very few ducks were present, only a handful of Mallard and Tufted Duck.

On the nearby arable field that was being cultivated there was about 50 Lapwing and about 30 Pied Wagtails with a few Starlings feeding on the newly turned soil, a Kestrel flew over.

7th Oct - high cloud, light NE, 15C

First thing a few single Redwing were heard flying over southward.  Similarly, a Meadow Pipits were heard overhead and some were in the fields, five Skylarks flew over calling and chasing each over, these probably just moving between the local fields.

Mid-morning 15 Collared Doves were flying around the village after being disturbed.

During the afternoon I visited Cossington meadows, just topside of Leicester to see the Glossy Ibis it was found feeding on the mid-marsh area and gave good views through the scope.

At the waters edge, behind the Ibis, in the reeds a Water Rail was spotted preening and stayed in view for quite awhile.  Quite near the to the Ibis there were at least 10 Snipe feeding at the waters edge with others dotted around the edge.  A good number of Wigeon was here and on the Tern pool, with 14 Gadwall, several Shoveler and teal, a single female Pintail and a couple of Little Grebe. A Kingfisher was heard, then seen flying between the pools.

A flock of about 30 Goldfinch were feeding mostly on thistles and Teasels, Reed Buntings and two Yellowhammers were in the track hedgerow.  A Green Woodpecker flew past calling and a female kestrel sat on the gate post surveying the scene.

Quite a few Dragonflies were still flying, most too quick or high to identify, but still good to see in October.

6th. Sept - mostly sunny morning, becoming cloudier, odd spots of rain, light steady easterly, 16C

Redwings, the first autumn Redwings, 4, flew south past the village at 0830h .

5th Sept - Mostly sunny, warm 20C max, light steady eaterly

No obs today

4th October - mostly sunny, light NE, warm 20C

Another lovely autumn day, but little time for observing.

This evening there were about 35 Starlings on the telegraph wires, a pre-roost gathering.  These eventually went to roost in extensive creepers covering a house side.

The conkers falling of the church Horde Chestnut do appear pretty numerous and of a good size this year.   This made me have closer look at Yew, Blackthorn and Hawthorn this year.  There are berries, but the crop does look a light.  The winter thrushes will be here any day and quickly clear the berries this year, so if the weather turns cold or snow cover early it will add to their survival pressure, of course they can always move on.

3rd Oct - sunny, 18C, light SW. First slight ground frost last night.

Three Swallows feeding around the sheep fields this morning.  A single Small Tortoiseshell was seen flying over the field.

Late morning two Raven were circling and calling over the village before moving off SW.

2nd Oct - sunny periods, light SW, 14C

A busy day with little opportunity for observing, however I did see the following this morning.

A black Cat was sitting next to a hedgerow behind the village, seemingly sitting up and staring at it, only a couple of feet away, was a Fox. It looked like a possible youngster from this year, but clearly a bit of a stand-off between the two.  Unfortunately, I was spotted in the truck and the Fox ran off, so I have no idea what would have happened had they continued without my interruption. I have heard it said that Cats will usually see off a Fox, and even chase them, who knows?

Late afternoon a flock of about 20 Chaffinch flew over fields at Theddingworth.

In my brothers orchard there were at least 20 butterflies, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admirals, feeding on the ripe plums in the sunshine.

1st Oct - showers from 1100h, some heavy, light SW, brighter late afternoon, 13C

This morning there were three Swallows around the village and a nice flock of Goldfinch were around.

For the afternoon I decided to head to Rutland Water having not been there for awhile, a possible Wood Sandpiper and plenty of hides to shelter in.  I headed off to the hides at lagoon III and made it just as the rain started again.  A nice selection of waterfowl, not huge numbers, but at least 15 Pintail were nice to see.  A pair of Egyptian Geese had three quite small ducklings.  A Great Crested grebe pair also had a juvenile still begging for food.  Not too many waders were seen, a small flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin were present, but no Wood Sandpiper found.  House Martins and Swallows were feeding overhead, several Chiffchaffs could be heard singing or calling  and a single male Blackcap was feeding on Blackberries.

On the way back I stopped at the feed station near the entrance, not too much about, but Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tits and House Sparrow, plus a (rotund) Wood Mouse and juvenile Moorhen feeding under the feeders.

It was a good way to spend a wet afternoon, about 50 bird species were seen.