Cloudy, dull again, mist and fine drizzle occasionally, very light SW-SE, 13C

Willey;

Checking the Hawfinch area this morning I was fortunate to see one fly atop the hedge, have a look around before flying towards the Yew trees.   Once in the Yews they're impossible to see.

5th Nov - Blanket cloud, mist at times, dull, 11C, very light SE-SW

Noticeable that winter Thrush numbers were much reduced in the area today, presumable they have moved on after feeding.

No other obs today.

4th Nov - blanket cloud (again), very light SE, 13C

Willey;

No sign of Hawfinch today, but still plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares around.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker sat for ages on a small hedgerow bush branch at the top of the bush, not sure why!

Two Greenfinch in the Church Yews with many Great Tits.

3rd Niov - cloudy, dullish, light easterly, 12C

Willey; late morning.

I checked the Church trees and lane area as I do a lot this time of year as it has attracted scarce migrants, and I was not disappointed. After scanning the hedge and noting many more Redwings and Fieldfares around and four Greenfinch sitting in the top I then spotted a chunky finch - a Hawfinch, which flew atop my Holly tree and was joined by another, they then quickly flew off.  All too quick for a photo, but great to see.

Lilbourne Meadows; morning

144 Lapwings and 38 Shoveler were good totals, plus Teal and Wigeon.  The maize stubble field is attracting Redwing, Fieldfare, Chaffinch, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers. 

Along the brook was a male and female Stonechat, my first of the winter here for me.

Bittesby Country Park; early afternoon.

I could only find one Stonechat, female, here today, but others could be well spread over the fields.

A Cormorant too, which is an occasional visitor.

Shawell lagoons; afternoon.

The surprise here was a Redshank, we don't get many in SW Leics and mostly Spring/early summer, very unusual late to have a Autumn record.

2nd November - cloudy, dull pm with some drizzle, light ESE, 13C

Stanford reservoir; afternoon.

Six Red-crested Pochard, four drakes and two females.  A couple of days ago I saw three drakes and three females, so we may have seven here, as we did some while ago.

A few Redwings and Fieldfares around Blowers Lodge Bay.  Four Chiffchaffs were along the Northants side, with Long-tailed Tits,  Two Bullfinches in the orchard area.

1st Nov - cloudy, dull at times, light WNW, 12C

Lilbourne Meadows; afternoon.

28 Shoveler present on the east pool, with Teal, Mallard and Wigeon.   c150 Black-headed Gulls were resting at the pools today, which is unusual, also one Common, six Herring and a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

61 Lapwing at the east pool, others out of view on the west pool.  A Kestrel was hunting.

On the adjacent maize stubble field and tall hedge feeding were c30 Redwing, a Fieldfare, c20 Chaffinches, two each Goldfinch and Greenfinch.  

31st Oct - cloudy/mist, slowly brightening during the day, a little sun late afternoon, light SW, 13C

Stanford reservoir; afternoon.

Six Red-crested Pochards (3 each drake and female) in Keepers bay with other ducks.  A couple of Little Grebes.

Pink-footed Goose with greylags and Canada Geese in field.

Three Fieldfares and c50 Redwings along the Leics bank bushes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

A Stoat was making its away along the path, until it noticed me.