Saturday, October 08, 2016

Diary Update #54

Since arriving back from Spain I've made several visits to Brandon Marsh, including completing some chainsaw work for the BMVCT and of course spent time locally. To be honest Brandon has been pretty dire for waders with only a single Green Sandpiper noted, a couple of Little Egret and a best count of nine Snipe during one visit. Two Stonechat at Jury Hide last week and Redwings are beginning to arrive with several flocks of 20+ during this Fridays visit, at least two Grey Wagtails are busy around the cement works and a half dozen Siskin also recorded. An interesting post on the Brandon website this evening of a possible Yellow-browed Warbler today will require some investigation during tomorrows visit.

1st Lesser Redpoll of the autumn at the marina
At the marina a Tawny Owl has been quite active, with several views of the bird in flight, mainly at dusk and this morning a Grey Plover could be heard calling from a nearby field, but I didn't make contact. The first Lesser Redpoll of the autumn was also found at the marina during my morning walk, along with more Redwing over.

One of two Wheatears along Grandborough Fields
Dee and I had an afternoon walk around Grandborough fields from the open barn to Toft Lakes fishing pools today. There are plenty of ploughed fields to explore and indeed one came up trumps producing a couple of Wheatear.

Another Wheatear at Grandborough
The east coast is currently the place to be, with weather conditions perfect, and so right on cue a visit to Norfolk on Monday with the Brandon Team is eagerly anticipated!