Sunday 20 October 2013

Sunday Oct 20

Cloudy but mild, with a fresh southerly breeze. I was joined by Dave, and we were initially quite optimistic as there seemed to be increased numbers of Blackbirds, Reed Buntings, and Yellowhammers about, and at least 34 Skylarks.

A calling Grey Partridge in the ridge field was a year-tick for Dave. A Stonechat showed well in the regenerating hedge beside the pool, while earlier a Green Sandpiper had flown from the dragonfly pools to the flashes. All the pools have filled up with water during the week as a testament to the amount of rain we've been getting.

However, the wildfowl numbers were a bit disappointing; just 17 Teal, five Wigeon, and 13 Common Snipe. A flock of 146 Lapwings settled in the flash field.

Visible migration had been restricted to eight Redwings and 50 thrush spp (possibly Fieldfares), until our walk back along the stream-line produced first a Brambling call, and then a flock of 60 Fieldfares overhead. Dave reckoned he saw two Bramblings, but I only heard the call. Three Redpolls and three Siskins also flew over during the morning.

Back at the car I realised I still hadn't tried to photograph anything, so as Dave went home, I went to All Saints church at Morton Bagot determined secure something for the blog.

The church dates back to 1282, although it was added to in the late 14th Century, and renovated in the 19th century. Thank you Wikipedia.



As it stands on the highest ground overlooking the patch, my main hope for it is that one day the roof may play host to a Black Redstart.


Not today though. Just a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Autumn is the time for fungi, a subject about which I know nothing.


These interestingly shaped examples were clustered on a piece of sloping lawn adjacent to the church. I think I need to ask Santa for a fungus identification book.

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