SUNDAY 23rd November- Jon Lloyd

Late afternoon and all quiet at the hide. The Teal numbers seem to be growing nicely. A Cormorant flew over from east to west and a Sparrowhawk glided past in opposite direction following the Strine to the East. This seems to be a favourate hunting technique for this large female. Unless you werre looking down into the ditch you wouldn't see this bird.

Still plenty of Fieldfares and Redwings about. I sent a Song Thrush from the hedge on the way down to the hide. At dusk a Water Rail appeared from the opposite bank just in front of the hide and set off swimming to the near bank, thought better of it and scuttled across the surface using wings and feet before crashing out of site amongst the rushes. During the next thirty minuts or so remained in one small waterside patch, I could make out its secretive form every now and then as it reached for some delicacy amongst the overhanging rush stalks.

Also seen today: Red Legged Partridge, Canadian Goose, Stock Dove, Buzzard, Kestrel, Mistle Thrush, Jay, Bullfinch.

Monday 24th

Tuesday 25th

Wednesday 26th

Thursday 27th

Friday 28th

Saturday 29th

Great walking day today. Brisk wind but mainly clear overhead during the afternoon. The Barn Owl was back hunting on wetland in the late afternoon. This is always very special, it doesnt matter how many times I watch hunting Barn Owls it always a gives me a real thrill. Its sort of the bird watchers equivanet of that moment when you hear good music and the hairs stand up on the back your neck. They are so graceful. It dint stay long today.

The Teal numbers are well up and a count today put the assembly at 250. Frank Gribble will be complaining again!! Earlier, Tony Seagrave recorded a Gadwal but I couldnt find it. Cormorant flew over head and a Kestrel sat on the wires at the end of the wetland.

Also sen today: Linnet, Goldfinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Little Owl, Buzzard,