SUNDAY 26th October- Martin Grant

Hi Jon

Steve France recorded a Dunlin this morning and in the afternoon I recorded large flocks of Fieldfare, Starling and Woodpigeon all of around 400 also smaller flocks around 30 of both Skylark and Linnet. The 8 Shoveler were still on the marsh an adult Mute Swan landed and 2 juveniles flew over. A total of 5 Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 2 Goldfinch and a Cormorant were also logged. A Tree Sparrow was located close to the farm, they appear to have been overlooked or not present during the summer.

All for now Martin

Monday 27th - Jon Lloyd

Walked down to the hide late afternoon. The pools very quiet. A few Shoveler still around and a small gorup of Teal. Buzzard and kestrel about and large groups of Fieldfare in the hedges.

At 4.30 till 5.00 huge flock s of Starling passed over on the horizon flying east. This was quite a site with some flocks like huge black oil slicks dense and compact and others, thousands strong like black ribbons trailing endlessly across the horizon. I estimated each flock in turn and then the smaller flocks between. I estimated a total of 14000 birds. I have never seen this number flying in this direction and wondered why tonight and where exactly were they going!!

Tuesday 28th -

Wed 29th- Martin Grant

Hi Jon I have been to Wall Farm today Wednesday 29th October the 2 Tawney Owls were still in the Horsechestnut Tree in the farm drive. Pete Jordan was also in the hide when I arrived, on the pools were 16 Teal that increased to 80 by the time I left an hour later. We also saw around 200 Golden Plover in a couple of flocks circling over Tibberton Grange and the eastern fields of Wall Farm. Also recorded Sparrow Hawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Meadow Pipit and Skylark

All for now Martin

Thursday 30rd-

Friday 31st -

Saturday 1st Nov - Jon Lloyd

Good day but clouding over late afternoon. The wealdmoors were fairly busy this morning with large flocks of Fieldfares in surrounding hedges and some going to ground amongst Starlings and Redwings. The hedges around the farm drive were full of Redwings and a few Song Thrushes amongst them.

Large numbers of Skylark on the eastern fields and a few Meadow Pipits flew over head. The hawthorn paddock turned up a good party of tits, 16 Long Tailed with Blue and Great and a single Goldcrest. A pair of Greenfinch and Yellowhammer were also found here sitting high and calling on the Hawthorns.

The fields behind the farm turned up a large flock of Linnet 60+ and Goldfinches flew overhead.

The wetland area was holding good numbers of Teal at least 100 today with a few Shoveler. The usual Moorhens were scuttling around at the pool edges and a single Heron flew off on my arrival.

The return walk to the car produced a Male Sparrowhawk chasing finches in the roadside trees.

Also seen today: Stock Dove, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Buzzard, Jay, Magpie, Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gull, Snipe.