My journey to Morton Bagot was slightly delayed by roadworks, and so I met Dave as he was walking along the access road. I drove on to where we park, while Dave back-tracked on foot. This small disruption in our routine ensured that we were back on the access road ten minutes later in time to hear, and then see a Ring-necked Parakeet fly south over Netherstead and away in the direction of Morgrove Coppice. As a naturalised escape the species has muscled its way onto the British list thanks mainly to the hordes now occupying the London area. In the last ten years they have also established populations in other urban conurbations, and occasionally stray as far as Redditch. So this bird was a patch tick, but not too unexpected. Unfortunately my camera was tucked away in a bag, so there was no chance of a shot.
The remaining visit was enjoyable for the autumn colours on show as the birch leaves have all turned a vibrant yellow. There were hundreds of thrushes, we logged 259 Redwings, 35 Fieldfares, 59 Siskins, 12 Bullfinches and 11 Lesser Redpolls, so the place felt busy with birds.
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| One of four Stonechats on site |
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| Kestrel |
The flash field contained 42 Teal and four Moorhens. Two Lapwings which flew over were the first for several weeks.
I'll be roving again this week.
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