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.