Linacre WeBS- October 2015

I was down at Linacre again this morning carrying out this month's WeBS count. Compared to last week's counts, it was obvious that there had been an influx of birds, as numbers for most species had increased. In addition, I also recorded the first Redwings of the autumn/winter, with a minimum of 30 flying over the site in several groups, and at least half a dozen feeding in the Rowan trees by the top reservoir, with 2 Mistle Thrushes.

Waterbird numbers: Mallard (97, up from 58 last week), Tufted Duck (24, compared to 21), Coot (4, 3 last week), Moorhen (11, 4 last week), Mandarin Duck (46, 26 last week), Great-crested Grebe (1, 2 last week), Grey Heron (1, 2 last week), Grey Wagtail (1,same as last week), Kingfisher (1, 2 last week) and Black-headed Gull 36, from just 6 last week). Unfortunately, last week's Teal and Wigeon had both moved on. Compared to last year's count for October (see here), numbers were much higher, so perhaps it's a sign of things to come for the winter?

Here's a few photos from this morning's visit.

Black-headed Gulls

Tufted Duck (male)

Mandarin Duck (male)