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.