Sunday October 27

Following two days of unremitting rain which has raised water-levels throughout the patch, today was a day of wall to wall sunshine. After scraping the ice off my car this morning I was relieved that the roads were completely free of icy patches.

Dave arrived promptly and we set off along the road, for a change. As usual this tactic failed to deliver anything worthwhile, and once back in the fields we discovered the ringers packing up their stuff. They assured us that they hadn't caught anything unusual.

The highlight of the first hour was a dozing Roe Deer by Netherstead copse. The usual view is at best of an anxious looking animal ready to flee within seconds.

A chilled-out Roe Deer

The field behind the pool was pretty lively; 150 Linnets, about 15 Skylarks, at least four Yellowhammers and about a dozen Reed Buntings periodically broke cover to swirl above the stubble. We also counted four Stonechats.

At the flash field most of the action was on the nearest flash. 48 Teals awoke as we peered at them, and before long took flight, only to disappear behind the sedge. Less concerned by us were six Shovelers and two Little Grebes. On the furthest flash we could see a few Lapwings, and earlier we had counted 33 of them flying over. We assumed these were the birds we could now see.

Our highlight for the morning was two Bramblings which flew south over the ridge field. We also heard the odd Siskin and Redpoll, but saw very few Fieldfares and Redwings.

Despite the bright sunshine, I had not photographed a single bird by the time we were back at Netherstead, so a preening Great Tit had to suffice.

Great Tit

Rarer birds are available, but not at Morton Bagot it seems.