9th Nov - High broken cloud, light W - NW, 12C

Frolesworth manor lake; I was greeted here by a Raven calling in the nearby Tree. On the lake there was a few Tufted Duck, a Great-Crested Grebe and ~ 50 Black-headed Gulls.  On the adjacent stubble field at least 15 Skylarks, with some singing a little.  On the game cover ~50 Linnets and 10 Chaffinch we’re feeding.

Stanford Reservoir; at least 300 Fieldfare and 50 Redwing were feeding on haws and adjacent field.  6 Lesser Redpoll were on the flower heads feeding and a few Linnet were on the sown field.

On the water the Red-Crested Pochard pair were present, along with 33 Common Pochard. Teal numbers remain high, at least 300.  Little Grebe was heard in the reeds.

Photo Chris Hubbard

A Great-spotted Woodpecker was in the willows, where later the roving Long-tailed Tit flock roved feeding, which included a Willow Tit.  A Water Rail was seen in a brief short flight landing near the by-pass channel, then called loudly for a while.  A female Grey Wagtail was feeding at the outflow.

A Barn Owl was spotted sitting on a log the far side, listening for prey, managed some distant record shots, then a Snipe flew passed.