As I began my early patrol, the sounds of small birds flying across the sky could be heard above the rustling of the leaves and the wafting of the south-westerly wind. The lack of light allowing only the silhouette shapes to be seen.
The sun peeking through the clouds provided gorgeous yellow-orange bursts of light onto the Horse Chestnut leaves, which have now turned a glorious rusty brown. Adding to the colourscape were the yellowy leaves of Field Maple and orange ones of English Oak.
In amongst the reddish-pink leaves and bright pink berries of the Spindle, were two Goldcrests nipping along the twigs, the gold head flash catching the sunlight every now and then.
Walking down Long Meadow I was able to identify some of the birds flying overhead as they undertake their migration. This included large groups of Linnets and Goldfinches, plus some Siskin. These finches looking different (smaller and stockier) to the Meadow Pipits, which were also passing overhead, fortunately they all have different calls as they contact each other in flight.
The calling of some Bramblings (about 10) was accompanied by Redpolls (20ish) and a single Grey Wagtail. Also the much more easily recognised shape of a few Swallow swooping about.
Chasing around after these flocks was a Merlin, this our smallest bird of prey probably looking for some breakfast.
Off to Saxon field to look for the Short-eared Owl which I saw yesterday. Such a lovely bird to watch, the pale colouring and long wings catching the eye, as did the flat face. Not often you get to see such good views of Owls in the daylight – such a shame I didn’t see it again today.
The red splodge of a collapsed Red Cage Fungus, and the beginnings of some Puffballs just a couple of the fungi to be found.