October 3rd and 4th

Oct 3rd.

A quick look at the moths added Red Line Quaker to the year list of macros, making 349 for the year, Lunar Underwings are now down into just double figures probably around the 40-50 mark. We also had our second Spruce Carpet of the year.
A LITTLE OWL called as it got light and there was definitely a little more overhead activity six or seven groups of SISKIN went over in my hour long visit, although groups were small in number. Flocks of LINNETS were also making themselves heard the largest flock was 34 with several others that numbered in the teens. REDPOLLS are being heard regularly now going over but only 1 each visit it seems. Other birds flying over included 7 single PIED WAGTAILS and a single GREY WAGTAIL, as well as GOLDFINCH, 10+ MEADOW PIPITS and a single BLACK HEADED GULL. There were 7 CHIFFCHAFFS and 2 BLACKCAPS in various hedges.

Blackcap

The harsh call of a GREY HERON echoed around as the bird flew south. The mainstay of YELLOWHAMMER, SKYLARK and REED BUNTING were still well represented this morning.

Oct 4th.

More moths this morning, including a few more year ticks, Mottled Umber, Green Brindled Crescent, Figure of Eight and a migrant Vestal, were the new ones and with lots of migrants being found elsewhere hopefully we'll pick a few more goodies up before the end of the week!

Green Brindled Crescent

Figure of Eight

Vestal

Today there were 2 REDPOLLS! and one actually stopped for a short time on top of a birch tree with 4 GOLDFINCH. 15 HOUSE MARTIN flew high south and only one flock of 4 SISKINS and another GREY WAGTAIL went south today. On the ground only 4 CHIFFCHAFF and 1 BLACKCAP could be located and there was a small flock of 6 STOCK DOVES in the fields. A walk round the lake and wood added KINGFISHER, MARSH TIT, NUTHATCH and TREECREEPER.

Pied Wagtail

Lesser Redpoll

A flock of 6-8 BULLFINCH was nice, in the hedge that runs between Park Field and the B&B. Lastly a LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL flew north as I got back to the car park.