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.