30th Sept - becoming cloudy and rain pm, S wind increasing to moderate, 14C.

Willey; This morning seven Swallows were feeding around the village.  A Green Woodpecker and a great Spotted Woodpecker were heard during the day.,

Cotesbach landfill; after lunch before the rain, the Ruff was still present in the sandpit area and six Red Kites over the landfill area.  The water has gone down a lot recently in the sandpit area, which may explain the reduction on ducks there over the past week.

Stanford reservoir; eary afternoon, notable were c75 House Martins and a few Swallows feeding over the water.  A Sparrowhawk flew by, a Green Woodpecker was heard.  At least three Chiffchaffs with the Long-tailed Tit flock, plus Treecreeper. Four Grey Wagtails were present in the spillway.

I shall sort my feed station out now October is here and start to feed a little.  Hopefully, Tree Sparrows will appear again fairly soon.

29th Sept - sunny periods, light S/SW, 17C

 Willey; a single Redwing was heard flying over southward early morning.

Cotesbach Landfill; a look mid-afternoon.  The Ruff, two Dunlin and Green Sandpiper we’re still present.

28th Sept - sunny spells, light SSW, 14C. A ground frost last night.

Willey; a much nicer day than of late.  Eight Swallows on the telegraph wires, 1100h.

Cotesbach landfill; this morning a look here produced two Dunlin (adult and juv), the Ruff still and Green Sandpiper.   Hopefully Dave Goldsmith got some images suitable for his Facebook page.

Four Red Kites and Buzzard were present.  Shoveler numbered 11 (highest count here for me this autumn), plus the other usual ducks.

I checked again this evening (1830h), the waders were still present, however, two further Green Sandpipers were present making a total of three.

Also, a couple of Common Gulls were on the mud area.

Stanford reservoir; a quick visit to do a job here produced a Stonechat near the Spillway.

27th Sept - cloudy, mod NW, 12C, until later afternoon cleared to sun 14C

WIlley; this morning five Swallows feeding around the BH wood and over the sheep field.

Cotesbach landfill; this morning the juv Ruff was still present in the sandpit area.

Rutland Water;  Not as many wildfowl about as I expected, but I've no numbers to compare to other years, so maybe a normal year. Only four Egyptian Geese seen.

Three Water Rails were heard and one Cetti's Warbler. On lagoon 3 a Dunlin and Ringed Plover were feeding.  A Kingfisher flew passed Lapwing hide.  On lagoon 1 eight Black-tailed Godwits flew and fed. A 'cream' crowned Marsh Harrier came over hunting.  Plenty of Great and Little Egrets were present.

26th Sept - sunny am, becoming cloudy and light rain at times pm. Mod NNW, 12C

 Willey; two Swallows were feeding in the lee of the BH wood, 0830h.

Cotesbach landfill; this morning two Wigeon, three Pochard, 32 Teal, seven Shoveler plus Mallard and Tufted Duck.  A good number of Greylag and Canada Geese still.  

Four Snipe flew over and may have landed.  Two red Kites were around.  A grey Heron dropped in.

I looked a again at 1400h and this time the juv Ruff was present and showing well.  These are some record photos I took on the 24th, in bright sunlight and quite distant.

Stanford reservoir; a look at some areas from the Leices bank and settling pool. 12 Moorhen on the settling pool, plus a Grey Heron and several Gadwall. The usual Ducks were present and over 50 Mute Swans.   Another single Common Gull was on the water, soon their numbers should increase.

A Jay called form the trees near the feeders.

Over the water c100 House Martins were feeding.

25th Sept - fresh-gusty-strong NW, 14C, sunny spells

Cotesbach landfill; this afternoon most birds had their heads well down out of the wind.  A Green Sandpiper was feeding in a sheltered spot.  Otherwise not much happening.  No Ruff found.

Stanford reservoir; most notable was a single female Pintail feeding along with Shovelers.

Overhead about 50 House martins were feeding and a single Swallow spotted low over the water.

24th Sept - broken cloud, mod- fresh NW, 14C

 Cotesbach landfill; this morning the juv Ruff was still present.

A quick look this evening 1830h, produced a sighting of about 50 House martins steadily heading quite high westward.

Wigeon and Shoveler numbered 3 and 2 respectively.

Stanford reservoir; the wind was keeping things out of sight. I did spot a Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker on the leeside of trees.  Three Grey Wagtails were in the slipway.

23rd Sept - a few light showers, mostly cloudy, light SSW, 14C

A weather change from the recent dry, hot and dry late summer spell to autumn weather just to let us know we've just past the equinox.

Cotesbach landfill; a look later afternoon.  A new bird here for me a female/juv Ruff, didn't stay too long once spotted.  A Green Sandpiper was also present,  Otherwise similar birds a seen recently here.

In the evening at least 30 Stock Doves flew in to roost, settling in the spinney.

22nd Sept - Norfolk - sunny, 26C, mod SSW breeze

A day going to Norfolk.  Hoping to see the Brown Shrike that had beed present a few days.  However, today it was not sighted, so I missed out on this.  But, I did take a look at a few other sites.

Warham slade (North pools) near Wells-Next-the -Sea; on the adjacent field c Golden Plover. On the pools, plenty of Teal, a Shelduck, Mallard, Egyptian Geese, Greylag and a Barnacle Goose.  Four Ruff were on the muddy edge. 

 A flock of Linnet c 30 and a few Goldfinch were around.

Cley Marshes and Sea; On the sea two Red-throated Divers were nice to see, still with their red throats.  A Sandwich Tern, Gannets, flocks of Wigeon and a few unidentified Auks flew passed.  A few Common Gulls were present, along with Herring, Greater-black Backed, Lesser-black Backed and Black-headed Gulls.

Viewing the north scrape from the screen apart from a sleeping teal there didn't seem much about - no waders.  I then heard a Redshank and decided to look for it,  I found it quite close, and another wader close to it.  It showed well and immediately was identified as a Pectoral Sandpiper.  Its clean 'white' belly and bold back streaks suggested it was a juvenile.  I watched it for 5 minutes, put the news out, then a Black-tailed Godwit flew straight over it very closely followed by a Peregrine chasing the Godwit, this spooked the Sandpiper, which flew around and was about to land when a second Peregrine flew very low over the ground.  The two Peregrines headed off together over the fields, one perched up on a gate.  However, the Pec Sandpiper was nowhere to be seen, just a other Birders began to arrive.  

Morston Quay; A Grey Plover, several Curlew, Little Egrets and Lapwings were visible form the Kiosk area.  A Marsh Harrier was hunting out over the marsh.

21st Sept - sunny, 22C, mod SW

 Willey; a Raven flew over the village calling, 1350h

Cotesbach landfill; a look this afternoon.  A Green Sandpiper, three Red Kites, four Pochard and small groups of Meadow Pipits (c15 in total) flew over.  A distant group of birds hawking had me thinking they were Swallows, but they turned out to be c40 Starlings hawking insects.

Stanford reservoir; a loo this evening, fairly quite (until paragliders decided to flew by) but the birds were disturbed.  A Common Sandpiper was on the dam, A Little Grebe on the settling pool and a Great-spotted Woodpecker was calling nearby.

20th Sept - cloudym start, becoming sunny, mod NE breeze, 20C

Willey; this afternoon six Swallows were feeding around the village.

A Snipe flew over low over the village - southward, whilst a Meadow Pipit flew over low northward.

Cotesbach Landfill; this morning, similar to yesterday except a new Canada Goose count of 198.  The juv Little Ringed Plover was seen again.  Four Wigeon and three Pochard  were new too.  94 Great Black Backed Gulls were counted.

Stanford reservoir;  a walk here this afternoon, a Common Sandpiper on the dam, four Grey Wagtails in the spillway, and two each of Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits.  

Both Shoveler and Wigeon numbers have increased, 23 and c30 respectively.  A Red Kite and Buzzard around.  Warblers included Blackcap and Chiffchaff.  

An adult Yellow-legged Gull and my first autumn Common Gull were noted.

19th Sept - mostly sunny, mod NE breeze, 21C

 Cotesbach landfill;  a look this morning.  Both Canada and Grey Lag Geese were at their highest numbers I have counted here, 174 and 275 respectively.  Teal 54, Shoveler 7 plus Tufted, Mallard and a single Wigeon.  

A Dunlin put in a brief visit. Three Red Kites were around. 

Cossington Meadows; a walk here this afternoon.  A good selection of Ducks on the pools and a decent number of Lapwings. I counted 19 Snipe out feeding, with at least 12 on the wader scrapes.  

A few Starlings were feeding or bathing, several Goldfinch in the trees.  A Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker were seen.  A couple of Stock Dove were  about too.

18th Sept - mostly sunny, mod NE wind still, 19C - but feeling cool at times

Willey; Six Swallows feeding over the village and nearby fields early afternoon.

Three Mistle thrushes flew from the Church yard Yew tree.

Cotesbach Landfill; a look this morning, nothing new. A single Green Sandpiper seen. c50 Teal. Eight Red Kites were busy making the most of the wind.  I counted 21 Great Black Backed Gulls.

A check this evening, still quiet, but 26 Stock Doves came in to roost in the spinney, 1845h.

17th Sept - Mostly sunny, light-mod NE making it feel cool, 18C

 Willey; No Swallows spotted today.

Cotesbach landfill; a evening look, very similar to recent visits. Two green Sandpipers, 8 SHoveler, c50 Teal, also 5 Wieon and 7 Pochard (5 drakes).

16th Sept - sunny am, 22C, becoming cloudy, wind freeshening NE 16C

 Willey; I did not see a Swallow today.

Cotesbach landfill; this evening the juv Little Ringed Plover was still present, also a Green Sandpiper.  Teal have increased to 47 (my fourth highest ever count here).

Three Red Kites were hanging around, seemingly enjoying the wind.

15th Sept - sunny, hot, light ENE, 27C

 Willey; only one Swallow seen this morning flying around Parsons Close area.

Chiffchaff singing in Hurls Furlong hedgerow.

Stanford reservoir; a walk here this afternoon, a Common Sandpiper on the dam.  Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and Blackcaps seen.  

Only 6 WIgeon seen one the water.  A Raven was heard calling over the fields.

A buck and doe Muntjac were seen together, later a single doe.

Cotesbach landfill; this evening the main sightings were 8 Shoveler, 35 Teal, 6 Little Grebe and two Common Sandpipers.  A juvenile Little Ringed Plover dropped in late for 10 minutes, record photos  challenging to get in fading light. (cropped photos).

14th Sept - sunny, hot, light SW, 26C

 Willey; 6 Swallows flying around first thing.

Cotesbach landfill; only time for a quickest look. Six Wigeon in were new.  A single Common Sandpiper seen, and Shoveler up one to seven.  

13th Sept - sunny, warm/hot, 24C, light SW

 Willey; this morning 15 Swallows on the telegraph wires.

It was quite noticeable this morning that many leaves were falling from the trees!!

Cotesbach Landfill; quiet this morning, usual ducks, although six Shoveler.  Two each of Green and Common Sandpipers again.

Pitsford reservoir; after lunch I decided for a change and have a walk around the reserve area here.

Plenty of duck, Tufted, Pochard, Mallard, Teal and Shoveler.  Two Great Egret and a few Little Egret and Grey Herons.  A single Green Sandpiper and a flock of Lapwing, most on causeway side.

At the feeders a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Greenfinch, four Tree Sparrows and Chaffinch.  Occasionally Chiffchaff heard, Long-tailed Tits and two Treecreepers.

12th Sept - sunny spells forming, 19C, light-fresh SW-WSW

 Willey;  Only two Swallows seen today.  Not too surprised as I didn't see any go in to the sheds to roost last evening.

Cotesbach Landfill; this morning two each of Common and Green Sandpipers again.  Five Shoveler, c20 Teal.  Four Red Kites around the area.  A few House Martins came over and c30 Starlings flew SW.   Otherwise all the other usual birds were present.

Stanford reservoir; a walk around the reservoir after lunch. A Hobby and two Red Kite came over.  Warblers were hiding well in the bushes, although several Chiffchaffs were seen.   Long-tailed Tit flocks in several areas, two Treecreepers were in the tall hedge near the dam. 

Three Little Egret at the settling poool, and a single Grey Heron seen. 

On the water 11 Wigeon and seven Pochard with Tufted Duck and Mallards.  I counted 58 Mute Swans.  

Two Common Sandpipers and seven Grey Wagtails were in the spillway.

Speckled Wood, Comma and Large White Butterflies about.

11th Sept -cloudy until early evening, light-mod SW, 16C

 Willey; 12 Swallows around first thing.  

Eight Magpies with Sheep in Hurls Furlong. c120 Starlings feeding on Sheep pasture to the west.

Late afternoon two Jays in BH wood, two Moorhens on the pond there.  Several Speckled Wood about.

A group of Fungi seen in back field.

Cotesbach Landfill; nothing new this evening, still two each of Common and Green Sandpipers, about 20 House Martins feeding over area.

10th Aug- flat cloud, very light SW, 15C

 Willey; 28 Swallows this morning on the wires.

Cotesbach Landfill; this evening highlights were 2 each of Common and Green Sandpipers.  One Swift  over the boundary tree line with a few House Martins.

9th Sept - cloudy am, sunny pm, light becoming mod NW, 22C

 Willey; 15 Swallows this morning on the wires near Parsons Close, also a Goldfinch family in the paddocks.  Chiffchaffs around the hedges.

Cotesbach Landfill; this evening two each of Green and Common Sandpipers.  No Ringed Plover seen.  Single Red Kite.

8th Aug - cloudy, becoming sunny and warm, 25C, light SW

Willey; 18 Swallows on telegraph wires this morning.

Cotesbach landfill; a look this evening, notables were the Ringed Plover, three Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers.  Eight Little Grebes, a Pochard, four Shoveler again, c20 Teal.

A flock of House Martins came over, but no Swift this evening.  A single Red Kite.

7th Aug - cloudy, dull at times, light SW, 17C

 Willey; first thing 10 Swallows around the village, very few seen around the fields this morning.

Cotesbach landfill;  late morning - Two each of Green and Common Sandpipers, plus the Ringed Plover.   Usual collection of ducks, geese and Little Grebes. Five Red Kites over the landfill.  Among the Gulls an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

A Mixed flock of Sand and House Martins were feeding over the area this evening, plus two Swift.

A couple of small flocks of Starlings flew over east to a roost.

6 Aug - Sunny periods, ;light NW, 19C, shower evening.

Willey; max count on wires today was 7, a few more around the fields though.

Four Raven flew from the Perkins fields area towards Newnham Paddox first thing.

Husbands Bosworth sand quarry area; at mid-day I noticed 17 Ravens quite high, circling and 'playing' above the  fields near the quarry-Station road, they then dispersed in two directions.

Cotesbach landfill; a look here after lunch, two Green and three Common Sandpipers and the Ringed Plover again.  Four Shoveler, one Pochard, c25 Teal, a single Red Kite.

Stanford reservoir; fairly quite this pm. a Common Sandpiper on the dam, five Grey Wagtails feeding in the spillway.  Seven Wigeon,  a Pochard and four Gadwall.  

The two Shag still.

Plenty of Dragonflies about today and several Butterflies (Comma, Peacock, Large White, Common Blue).

5th Aug - broken cloud, sunny spells, cloudier evening,. 18C, light WSW

 Willey; this morning a few Swallows around the fields, max seen together was six.  A Chiffchaff was near the Perkins spinney gate.

Cotesbach landfill; this afternoon, two Green and four Common Sandpipers, the Ringed Plover still.  Teal up now at 28, four Shoveler, single Pochard again. c8 Little Grebes spread around the pools.

Several Buzzards up, only one Red Kite.  Land fill section being capped, so not much scavenging available.  However, c300 Starlings were present.

In the spinney a Long-tailed Tit party and Chiffchaff.  On the rough ground a 2+ Small Heath Butterflies were seen.

I checked here in the evening for Swifts, they seem to come here with the House Martins.  I saw one feeding along the boundary hedge line (1815h).  A Fox was stalking through the long grass near the spinney.

A dark cloud gave a few spots of rain resulting in a double rainbow.

4th August - cloudy, dullish, light WSW, 16C

 Willey; The most Swallows I saw today at anyone time was six, certainly more around though.  A Chiffchaff was calling and singing in the Church Lane.

Cotesbach Landfill; this evening two each of Green and Common Sandpipers, also the Ringed Plover.

About 50 House Martins feeding in and over the sandpit area, plus two Swifts over the boundary tree line.

Single drake Pochard, three Shoveler, 22 Teal again, c8 Little Grebes.

3rd Aug - cloudy, 19C, light WSW

 Willey; this morning about 50 Swallows feeding around the Sheep to the west and a few more around the fields to the east of the village.  One Mistle Thrush in the Perkins fields.

Stanford Reservoir; a look this afternoon; two juvenile Shag on the Tern raft.  A Whinchat on the field fence next to the spillway and a Hobby flew by.

Wigeon has started to appear in the last few days, with six present today.  Two Shoveler too.

Cotesbach Landfill; this evening the Ringed Plover still, two Common Sandpipers, now 22 Teal and two Shovelers.

2nd Sept - sunny spells morning, then light rainafternoon/evening, 18C, becoming cooler, light SW

Willey; maximum count of  Swallows on the wires was 15, others were flying around.

This evening 10 Mallard were flying around, went down on the back pond.

Cotesbach landfill; this evening in dull wet conditions.  The Ringed Plover still and two Common Sandpipers. A single Shoveler and drake Pochard, 15 Teal.  Greylag Geese numbered 117.

1st Sept - sunny spells, 19C, light S

Willey;  This morning a very recent fledged Goldfinch was begging for food from a parent which was feeding on  thistle seeds.

Mid-day c25 Swallows on the telegraph wires.

Croft Hill; a look this afternoon, but it was pretty quiet with little about, a good number of House Martins and a few Swallows around the top.

There were several Small Copper butterflies out though.

Cotesbach Landfill; the main sightings were four Shoveler, three Common Sandpipers and a Ringed Plover..

Two Swifts were feeding along the boundary tree line and a single Sand Martin.