Sunday October 21

Dave and I arrived just as the fog was clearing to reveal a sunny morning.

The clearance also revealed a small flock of finches by the Netherstead barns, mainly Linnets and Goldfinches, but including at least five Lesser Redpolls and the first Brambling of the year.

Initially we could only hear it calling, but eventually it perched up in the hedge some distance away.

Brambling

At least it was a male.  Around 50 Fieldfares flew south, with smaller numbers of Redwings and a Siskin also heading over. At this point it was starting to feel as though it could be a good day.

As it turned out, the only other decent birds we found were the first pair of Stonechats of the autumn. I had begun to wonder whether we would get any at all.

Female Stonechat

Male Stonechat

There were a few more Skylarks around than usual, at least 27, while a flock of 70 Starlings settled on wires over the ridge field. The Flash field was the usual disappointment, although there were at least 17 Snipe with the geese and Teal.

As the day warmed up plenty of insects were on the wing including a Small Copper, a Speckled Wood, and a Darter sp (presumably Common).

Small Copper

So a better visit than most recent ones.