29th Nov - very blusterly, 25 mph gusts, cloudy and showers, 10C

Willey;  a mixed flock of Fieldfare (c50), Redwing and Starlings feeding on Sheep pasture to the west.

Finally decided to increase viewing power, especially for the Gull ring reading, by going to Focus Optics at Corley and getting a Swarovski 95mm x 30-70 zoom scope. Can't wait to try it out in the field.

28th Nov - showers, southerly moderate, sometimes gusty wimd, 12C

No obs to report today.
Unseasonal mild temperature.

27th Nov - cloudy foggy early, rain from 1300h, 7C

No obs today.

Willey; yesterday mid-day about 20 Collard Doves were startled from trees and flew around the village before settling back.

26th Nov - sunny spells, 7C, light northerly

Cotesbach Landfill; a look here after lunch was a bit disappointing as there were thousands of Gulls present but very few in the area giving good views.  Something was really bothering them as they frequently flew up and dashed about as if a predator was going through them and settled again further away but nothing was seen, not even the man with the hawk was present used occasionally to scare the Gulls off.  You can get the idea from the photos.

Three Stock Dove came in for a wash in the sandpit pool, only a single Red Kite was seen.

25th Nov - cloudy becoming sunny spells, 8C, light NE/E

Monks Kirby; a look near the entrance to Newnham P:addox, last year there was a good Chaffinch flock with a few Brambling.  Today, no sign of a repeat, although 12+ Chaffinch around the small entrance coppice, c20 Redwing and 2 Greenfinch.

Rutland Water; I was always intending to visit here today to catch up with a few birds, especially the Red-necked Grebe. it had been reported off Old Hall so I visited there first. After over an hour searching it had not been seen, nor by others, but I stuck at it.  Eventually another birder told me it had been seen some way behind me, and within 5 minutes it was found washing and preening.  About the same time the Great Norther Diver appeared a little further off shore.

In this south arm area there was a good number of other wildfowl, Wigeon, Tufted, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and distantly quite a few Red-crested Pochard near distant hides the I didn't count but more than 10+.  On the shore Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails were feeding, with a Wren exploring the boulders.

A Red-throated Diver (juv) had been found during the morning and I heard it was now visible from the peninsular, so I decided to give it a go.  It was visible quite well off the Whitwell creek area, feeding.

23rd Nov- cloudy, dull, 5C, light NE

No obs today.

24th Nov - cloudy, light NE, 8C

Willey; not much variety at the feed station this morning, 2 Nuthatch were visiting at the same.  About 12 Chaffinch were along the farm track to the east.

Misterton; 2 Wigeon still on the lake, with a Little Grebe and plenty of Moorhen.  Plenty of Tits, including a Coal Tit, Treecreeper and Goldcrest.  10+ Redwing were in the Yews around the church.

Cotesbach Landfill; not so many Gulls around this afternoon, a couple of Caspian still, one with a German ring spotted by Carl.  3 Red Kite were present.  11 Teal in the sandpit area.

Stanford reservoir; this morning a Marsh harrier and 2 Short-eared Owls were seen. I visited mid-afternoon until dusk hoping the Harrier would return to roost in the same area as yesterday and the Owls would be hunting.  Unfortunately this did not happen and I failed to see any of these.  

4 Goosander were in, plus all the usual duck.  A large lock of Canada Geese flew in, followed by the usual Grey Lag Geese, no other Goose species with them though.

20+ Tree Sparrows at the feed station and , unusual these days here, a Coal Tit.  Circa 2000 Starling came in to roost in the reed beds.

22nd Nov - -6C frost last night. Cloudy/misty and dull as temp slowly rose 4C. very light breeze NE

Brandon Marsh; I had a look here as news came in about both Pink-footed and White-fronted Goose had been seen. As often the case they did not stay too long and I missed them.  Other birds on the marsh weren't doing too much as the water was frozen in places and it was rather dull. All the usual winter water birds were present on the East Marsh.  A Kingfisher dashed over the path.  Plenty of Tit flocks moving around, Goldcrests and Treecreeper.  Four Bullfinch were in the thickets, a Great-spotted Woodpecker called and 2 noisy Jays were heard. Only a single Redwing was seen flying over.

21st Nov - sunny spells, mod E/SE, 6C

Draycote Reservoir; a meeting here this morning so a quick look along the bank by the sailing club.  Water level at least 15ft low, giving shoreline.  Not too many birds around actually, a male Goosander, A Grey Wagtail with Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits on the boulders, a few Fieldfare in the sailing club yard tree tops.

Eyebrooke Reservoir; News came of Bewick Swans and as I had nor been for a while I thought it would be god to have a look.  I found the Swans which were feeding near Stoke Dry, presumably recent arrivals probabaly heading for the SW - slimbridge area.  Waders included a good number of Golden Plover, Lapwing, 29 Dunlin and 1 Redshank.  A red-headed Smew was among the usual wintering duck, several Pintail and at least a couple of Shelduck.  A single Red Kite was over the adjacent fields.

Moon rise over Eyebrooke

20th Nov - cloudy, moderate NE/E, 5C feeling cold

No obs today.

19th Nov - High broken cloud, moderate ENE, 8C

Stanford Reservoir; a quick look after lunch as 2 Common Scoter had been reported earlier, however I didn’t find them. All the usual birds, most keeping out of the cool wind. The best was 2 drake Goosander.

18th Nov - sunny, light-mod easterly, 9C

Stanford reservoir; a visit principally hoping to find the Hen Harrier and Sort-eared Owls, again a failure on both counts, nor were the Red-crested Pochards seen.  Of course plenty of the expected winter birds, 4 Little Grebes,c20 Teals, 10+ Goldeneye and c35 Shoveler today. Less Redwing and Fieldfare than in recent days.  A couple of Bullfinch in the thicket, several Reed Buntings on the fallow field.

A late (old female) Common Darter was making the by most of the warmth and sunshine resting in a sheltered spot.

17th Nov - sunny spells, light easterly, 10C

Misterton; a look here first thing, plenty of typical woodland birds, including several noisy Nuthatch, good number of Treecreeper, Blue and Great Tits and Goldcrest, a single Coal Tit. A Little Grebe on the lake plus Moorhen and Canada Geese.

Cotesbach Landfill; after lunch a look here, plenty of Gulls, Carl Baggot had already found 16 Caspian Gulls during the day - a record here.  One with a German colour ring showed whilst I was present.  ^ Red Kites were over the landfill area.

Stanford reservoir; a visit here mid-afternoon as this morning 2 Short-eared Owls were flushed from the adjacent fallow field, and if still present likely to be hunting.  I didn't see them, although Chris saw them flushed again by a shooting party that crossed the field.  Its quite a big area and they could well have gone down somewhere nearby.  4 Red-crested Pochard were present - 2 drakes and 2 females.

16th Nov - cloudy, dullish and misty, light easterly, 12C

Longmoor Lake; I decided to visit this area I have not been to before so see Short-eared Owls which have been reported.  The lake is open, no tree surrounded,  surround by rough pastures and newly planted woodland.  On the lake were a good number of Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall and 2 Teal.  Two Little Grebe, a couple of Snipe and 19 Lapwings. A Kestrel was hunting.
Two Short-eared Owls were hunting over the rough area and showed on and off quite well, despite the poor light.

15th Nov - sunny intervals, light SE, 14C

Stanford reservoir; after lunch a look here, at the inlet river and fields there was at least 14 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Heron, quite a few Cormorant and 1 Great White Egret.

Next I explored the adjacent fields where the Hen Harrier has been seen, after a while I saw a couple Crows seemingly diving at something low, then the Harrier appeared, although distant I had quite good views.  It was heading straight towards me and with the camera ready I had high hopes.  Then a Carrion Crow took a side swipe and it changed direct moving off my line.  Still I was able to get a few distant (a bit murky due to the haze that had formed) photos.

Also, at the reservoir were 7 Red-crested Pochards (4 drakes).

14th Nov - cloudy am, sunny pm, moderate SW, 13C

Stanford reservoir; a visit mid-afternoon till dusk, all the usual ducks etc. A Cetti's Warbler and at least 4 Water Rails were in the main reed bed.  Three Little Grebe where making their way across the bay to cover.  a few Starling came in to roost in the reeds, but very few compared to last weeks thousands.
At 1630h the Little Grebe moved in to roost, 26 were counted and 1 Great White Egret flew in. A Muntjac deer ventured out along the track

A gorgeous sunset and the moon surface detail was easy to see.

13th Nov - sunny am, cloud increasing pm, light SW, 12C

Seemingly a quiet day, far to nice .

About 1600h news of 3Whopper Swans at Stanford reservoir, I went to have a look but they flew off about a minute before I arrived.  Also, the Hen Harrier was seen again twice.

Anyhow, I had a look around as dusk approached, 20+ Little Egrets and a Great White Egret flew in to roost.

12th Nov - sunny morning, sharp showers and breezy SW pm, 11C

Cotesbach Landfill; had  a look here this afternoon, there were thousands of Gulls, without there has been a big influx in recent days.  Just marvel at the Gull numbers in the photos below, its a real challenge, yet great fun searching through them for ID and colour rings.

11th Nov - sunny periods, brisk SW, 11C

Willey; a good number of Redwing and Fieldfare around this morning.

Stanford reservoir; a look this afternoon, of note were 6 Red-crested Pochard (3 drakes), a Great white Egret and several Little Egrets at the inlet, a Red Kite over the dam end.  14+ Goldeneye, 20+ Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Pochard too.
A juvenile Buzzard was still begging from it's parents, a Kestrel was hunting over the fallow field and a Sparrowhawk flew over.  A Pied and Grey Wagtail at the dam.

10th Nov - rain/windy during the night, sunny am, showers pm, light southerly, 12C

Misterton; several Nuthatch around this morning.  A single Great-spotted Woodpecker heard plus the usual Tits, Goldcrests and Treecreeper. Little on the lake.

Willey; a good. User of Redwing and some Fieldfare eating the Hawthorn berries, a couple of Mistle Thrush came to the Holly trees.  Two Male Bullfinch seemed to be eating Rowan berries or leaf.
At the feed station still only 2 Tree Sparrows among the House Sparrows, Greenfinch, Goldfinch  Nuthatch, Blue and Great Tits, a Coal Tit. Jackdaws are visiting now too. A Pheasant was nearby but flew off.

9th Nov - mostly cloudy, light showers pm

No obs today.

8th Nov - sunny periods, southerly, moderate, breezy at times, 13C

Stanford Reservoir; at least 100 Redwing and a few Fieldfare here this afternoon.  Duck numbers seemed on the low side, the drake Red-Crested Pochard is still present, 2 Little Grebe are still present.  12 Little Egret at the inlet end.

7th Nov - cloudy am then showers, short and sharp pm, 13C, moderate southerly wind

Misterton; a look here after lunch, the usual woodland birds were seen. A Mistle Thrush around the church, no doubt claiming the Yew berries. On the lake 15 Moorhens, unusually 5 Wigeon were of note and a single Little Grebe.

6th Nov - murky start, clearing to sunny periods, light SSE, 14C

Forgot to mention a Butterfly flew passed me at Stanford reservoir yesterday, probably a Peacock.

Willey; many more flocks of Redwing around the hedgerows and some heading straight over southwest this morning, also some Fieldfare with them.

A flock of c25 Chaffinches on the sown fields to the west.

5th Nov - dull, mist cloud first thing, becomimh sunny and warm, 14C, light SSE

Stanford reservoir; another attempt this afternoon to find and see the Hen Harrier.
There were plenty of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits on the fallow fields which I thought may attract it. Getting to the same viewpoint as yesterday it was a question of waiting and looking.  There were several Buzzards about, some on the arable fields after worms.  There are two notable ones, one with a lot of white on the upper tail reminiscent of a Rough-legged Buzzard and another with a white rump area and under tail coverts which can look a little like a Harrier. So, these provided some distraction, also 3 Kestrels hunting (2 males and a female).

After a considerable while I noticed a bird behind me being chased by Corvids, it flew passed and above me, yes the Hen Harrier, it continued for a short distance before dropping down over the arable field, then across and over a tall hedgerow and lost from sight.  A good but all to brief view, it clearly is ranging over a considerable area.

Other notable birds included the drake Red-crested Pochard, a Great White Egret and 12 Little Egret.
A Starling roost has formed again at the main reed bed, 2000-3000 birds this evening.

4th Nov - cloudy, light rain until mid-pm, light SSE, 10C

Stanford reservoir;  spent a lot of time here looking for the Hen Harrier today, it was seen briefly by Chris at mid-day bit evaded me again.  I'm sure the weather didn't help.
There was a notable increase in Fieldfare around today and a steady southward movement.  Plenty of Meadow Pipits around too.  A Kestrel was seen hunting over the fallow field.  On the water the usual Ducks, Grebes etc. The drake Red-crested Pochard was in front of the hide.

3rd Nov - sunny am, cloud increasing later, moderate-breezy southerly, 13C but feeling much cooler.

Willey; a check of the feed station this morning produced 2 Tree Sparrows, which was good to see. All the other species as the other day, and a Yellowhammer nearby.  Quite a few Fieldfare around today at last.

Cotesbach Landfill; a look here after lunch, Carl had already found several Caspian Gulls here.  A good number of Gulls were present, also 12 Red Kite and a Raven.

Stanford reservoir; again the Harrier was reported but very mobile. I left the landfill area to try again, but no luck in the area I searched, hopefully it hangs around longer.

2nd Nov - sunny am, cloudy pm, 10C,light SW

Stanford reservoir;
There was a report of a ringtail Hen Harrier on the adjacent fields (in the recent years we've often had one in November)  so during the afternoon I went to see if I could find it. Arriving at the railway track - lane area the first bird was a Peregrine overhead,  at least 12 Little Egret were along the river and the Great White Egret was quite distant atop a bush, I digiscoped a record shot.  More Fieldfare present today and a large flock of Starlings on the fields. A Kestrel hunted the rough field area.

No sign of the Harrier here or on the adjacent fields, further searching continued, then along the Leicestershire side of the reservoir, still no sign.

On the reservoir the drake Red-crested Pochard was spotted, plus the usual duck.  On the shore in front of the hide a Snipe was feeding.

1st Nov - dull, misty, chilly first thing, some light drizzle, slowly becoming brighter during the afternoon, light SE, 9C

Willey; very little happening today, just a Green Woodpecker calling early on and single Redwing now and again.
Catching up with chores and making a feed station frame to be erected at Stanford reservoir in the near future.

Sibbertoft; Graham spotted a Newt this evening on his patio area, looked like possible Great-Crested or more likely a Smooth Newt.