October Chiffchaff

Yesterday I blogged about a Blackcap that was ringed by the group. Well this morning's walk around Linacre produced not one, but two and maybe three Chiffchaffs. Although we usually record singing Chiffchaffs into October this mornings sighting was extraordinary because of the number included. The first bird was seen by the middle reservoir, feeding and quietly "wheeting" it's way through the trees. This bird, or more likely another, was then seen with a second bird, feeding in an elderberry bush around the top reservoir. Hopefully they will hang around and there will be some more sightings later this year.

When I arrived at Linacre at 7am today it was just 3 degrees and the whole valley was covered in mist.

By the time I left at 9.30am the sun had come out and it was a glorious morning.

Waterbirds seen today were: Mallard (53), Tufted Duck (20), Mandarin Duck (33), Coot (8), Moorhen (6), Grey Heron (2),  Grey Wagtail (3), and my first Pied Wagtail and Black-headed Gull of the winter. The 3 Great-crested Grebes ( 2 juveniles and 1 adult), were still present on the middle reservoir.

The woods were quite quiet this morning, but a few Jays were heard along with the usual suspects and Skylark was heard calling as it flew overhead. This latter species was again my first record of the winter. Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush were all seen, but no "winter thrushes" were recorded. Next week perhaps?