Birdwalk News

October 2009

The heavy overnight rain had cleared and the warm autumn sun gradually broke through the cloud to present us with a lovely October morning walk. Small birds were at a premium again, although we did see the first Redwings, (above), of the autumn fly over, and a few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. The estuary was once again full of waders, with lots of Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and Grey Plover, along with some Knot, Shelduck and three early Wigeon. Some showy Little Egrets and Grey Herons stalked the water’s edge, whilst a flock of Canada Geese flew noisily up the estuary. A Marsh Harrier distantly quartered fields, but best of all a Buzzard flew up from the far bank followed by a mobbing crowd of corvids. The Jackdaws and Rooks hounded the Buzzard as it circled higher, the Jackdaws held back, but the Rooks were persistent and vehement in their attacks. Eventually the Buzzard rose higher and gradually outpaced its pursuers, drifting away west. Another piece of interesting behaviour was a group of about thirty Cormorants fishing communally. As a flock they appeared to be herding and driving a shoal of fish and picking off any stragglers. They seemed to be having a good feed. Recent reports: Good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover have arrived, along with some Brent Geese, and a Cetti’s Warbler has been heard in the reeds. Painted Ladies, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood butterflies all enjoyed the late autumn sunshine. Early November has seen some Stonechats arrive, and more recently Fieldfares and large numbers of Wood Pigeons have come into the country.

Please note I’ve had to move the November date back to the 21st.

Exhibition Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre 28th Nov – 12th Dec Paintings, illustrations, sketches, prints and cards

Future dates
Wivenhoe 10am, 21st Nov, and 12th Dec 2009
£8 per person, max 10 persons, please book on 01206 826753
Richard Allen
www.richardallenillustrator.com www.swallowbirding.co.uk
all participants take part at their own risk