Sunday Oct 6

I arrived at Netherstead Farm to find the whole area under a blanket of fog. Despite this, a small passerine on top of the the hedge near where I had parked proved to be the first Stonechat of the year. Initial views were of a silhouette, but later in the day, with the sun out, it could be seen properly and I took some shots of it.

Back in the fog first thing however, I lost the bird before I was totally certain of my identification. So when Dave joined me, we edged along the hedge hoping to relocate it. In the process a call alerted us to an arguably more extraordinary sight, as a Kingfisher shot past us and away into the fog. Presumably it was completely lost and looking for a water course. After nailing the Stonechat we decided to stick to the footpaths in case we upset any potential dog-trainers.

As the mist started to clear, the heavy dew was giving away the positions of a myriad cobwebs, and I couldn't resist recording the effect on a five-bar gate.

Once the sun was out the day rapidly warmed up. There were plenty of Meadow Pipits in the grass and on the hedges, but no real overhead migration. The warmth was giving the local insects a last hurrah, and as well as several Hornets, and a few late butterflies, we saw several Common Darter dragonflies, and I was able to photograph two species of Hawker.

Migrant Hawker

Southern Hawker

The pool still contained the Little Grebe, and 13 immature Tufted Ducks, while the furthest flash was swamped with wildfowl. Most were recently released Mallard, but there were also at least 43 Teal, 10 Wigeon, and 108 Greylag Geese. The only waders we could see were 18 Common Snipe, although 57 Lapwings had been flying around.

The only summer migrant we recorded was a singing Chiffchaff, while autumn was represented by a couple of fly-over Siskins and a Redpoll.

I have learnt of a few notable Morton Bagot birds this week. John Yardley had 100 Teal and a Peregrine on Thursday, Mike saw a Hobby and the Snow Goose yesterday, while John Chidwick reported that the Whinchat was also still present yesterday.