30th Oct - Cloudy, still/v. v. light breeze SW, 14C

It quite noticeable the number of insects flying still, Bees are still buzzing about, I'm sure insectivorous birds are having a good feeding time in the run up to winter.

This morning I looked around the local lake, fairly quite though.  The Mute Swan family is still in situ, and one Wigeon on the lake with the Mallard and Little Grebe,  a Water Rail called from the reeds.  A few Redwings and Fieldfare were about, although there was a larger mixed flock further along the lane in the tree tops.

A visit to Stanford reservoir in the afternoon also had a quite feel about it, although the usual passerines were found.  A single Chiffchaff was heard calling from the Willows.  Treecreeper, Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker, two Jays, Redwing and Fieldfare were all around.

On the water there is now three Goldeneye, five Shoveler, a Teal, 16 Pochard, a good number of Wigeon, 30+Mallard, several Tufted Duck and 25+Great-crested Grebe.

Along on side a Muncjac was out feeding, with several Pheasants, I managed a record photo.  Further around the reservoir I spotted another Muncjac, this was much closer and allowed a better photo.

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.

28th. Oct - mostly cloudy, 14C, light breeze SW

The fairly mild, benign cloudy weather continues, most unusually for October with little rain this month.

This evening 2100h the Tawny Owls were quite vocal near the village..

27th Oct - mostly cloudy, light SW, 13C

Very similar to yesterday with Thrushes moving over.
10+ Goldfinch flew in to the neighbours garden to their feeders this morning.

Another busy day with the cattle TB test readout being performed, fortunately all clear so the cattle were returned to the fields and headed straight off to munch on the fallen leaves which they like.  Also, the local Badgers can breathe easy as they won't be implicated in this part of the county by the powers that be.   As bTB is now so widespread across the country and 'in the environment' why there is not more drive for cattle vaccination is still a puzzle to many.

26th Oct - Mostly Cloudy, late pm sunshine, 13C, light breeze SW

A steady movement of Redwing and (fewer) Fieldfare south/southwest during mostly during the morning and a few during the later daytime too.

Little time for obs due to new window fitting.today.

25th Oct - misty at first, high cloud, very light breeze/still, 11C

First thing, to the west of the village, about 100 each of Redwing and Fieldfare were resting in tree tops before continuing their journey westward.

In the hedge and trees there were several Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows, probably feeding on the cultivated field.  A Mistle Thrush flew from the electric wires over the Long Spinney towards Newman Paddox.

At 1015h a Raven flew south over the village calling.

About 1230h a small flock, ~10, of Starlings were flying and gliding catching insects.  This just shows how the recent moderate weather is still allowing many insects to be out and about.

24th Oct - mostly high cloud, light breeze, 10C

No obs today, due to helping TB test cattle