Friday 30th December
It was another foggy and frosty day and rather cold to go with it. Today's Sightings included 2 Little Egrets between the top and bottom lakes and the Water Rail which was still present but again very elusive. Others noted were 2 Grey Herons, 1 Coot, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 38 Common Gulls, 33 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Ravens, 14 Redwings, 2 Bramblings, 10 Song Thrushes, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 1 Common Buzzard, 90 Jackdaws, 5 Rooks, 4 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 4 Mallards, 11 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and 15 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 29th December
A foggy and frosty start to the day but it soon cleared up to leave a mostly sunny and cloudy day. Sightings included 3 Little Egrets between the top and bottom lakes and the Water Rail which was still present but very elusive. Others noted were 2 Grey Herons, 1 Coot, 21 Mediterranean Gulls, 27 Common Gulls, 33 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 7 Redwings, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 1 Common Buzzard, 113 Jackdaws, 17 Rooks, 2 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 19 Mallards, 22 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and 21 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 23rd December
It was another lovely day with a nice few spells of sunshine and no wind. The Coot was still at the bottom lake and the Little Egret remained at the top lake. Also the Water Rail was seen again at the bottom lake but very elusive. Other sightings included 44 Mediterranean Gulls, 120 Common Gulls, 61 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 13 Redwings, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 235 Jackdaws, 200 Rooks, 34 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 40 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches and 30 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 22nd December
The weather was lovely today with a nice few spells of sunshine and no wind. At long last we managed to record the first Coot of the year at the bottom lake, and the Little Egret remained at the top lake. Also the Water Rail was seen again at the bottom lake but once again all to briefly. Other sightings included 2 Teal heading west, 72 Mediterranean Gulls, 220 Common Gulls, 130 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 8 Redwings, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 430 Jackdaws, 210 Rooks, 2 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 34 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 40 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches and 30 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 21st December
The weather was pretty wet and miserable today with a few spells of fog, even so the Little Egret spent the morning at the top lake, but once again there was no sign of the Water Rail. sightings included 2 Teal at the bottom lake,110 Mediterranean Gulls, 360 Common Gulls, 330 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Ravens, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Fieldfare, 24 Redwings, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 590 Jackdaws, 178 Rooks, 2 Starlings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 26 Meadow Pipits, 10 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 83 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches and 80 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 20th December
The weather was a lot colder today and very overcast. Again there was no sign of the Water Rail, but a Little Egret was seen between both the top and bottom lake fairly much throughout the day. Other sightings included 310 Mediterranean Gulls, 320 Common Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 600 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Little Grebe at the bottom lake, 2 Ravens, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Fieldfares, 169 Redwings, 33 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 11 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 560 Jackdaws, 82 Rooks, 22 Starlings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Meadow Pipits, 13 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Mallards, 112 Goldfinches, and 80 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 19th December
Again It was a milder today but with some more heavy fog patches. There was no sign of the Water Rail today but there was a few fisherman around its favourite area. Today's sightings included 460 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading south/west alongside 370 Common Gulls and 400 Black-headed Gulls, also present was 1 Little Grebe at the bottom lake, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling, 133 Redwings, 5 Chaffinches, 23 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 5 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Common Buzzard, 380 Jackdaws, 6 Rooks, 30 Starlings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Mallards, 64 Goldfinches and 55 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 16th December
The weather was certainly milder but with some fog patches, the Water Rail was still present at the bottom lake, also another good movement of Mediterranean Gulls involving 300 birds, also 300 Common Gulls and 162 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling, 90 Redwings, 23 Chaffinches, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 415 Jackdaws, 10 Rooks, 36 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 25 Mallards, 42 Goldfinches and another good total of 71 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 15th December
It was a bit colder today but with a few spells of sunshine, best of the day was a Merlin which headed west over the bottom lake, the Water Rail was also still present there but again very elusive, also another good total of 325 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading west alongside 230 Common Gulls and 290 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 2 Little Grebes at the bottom lake, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling 44 Redwings, 9 Chaffinches, 19 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 360 Jackdaws, 14 Rooks, 9 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 18 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 25 Mallards, 6 Goldfinches and a good total of 63 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 14th December
It was another very mild day with a few spells of sunshine, the Water Rail was still present at the bottom lake but very elusive, also another good total of 290 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading west over the bottom lake alongside 110 Common Gulls and 77 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Fieldfares, 29 Redwings, 1 Siskin, 1 Redpoll, 1 Common Crossbill, 9 Chaffinches, 26 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 212 Jackdaws, 34 Rooks, 19 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 18 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches and 25 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 9th December
Once again the weather was very mild although it started off with a few mist patches, there was a very good Total of Redwings today with a total of 1100 around the site, the Water Rail was also still present at the bottom lake Also noted was 312 Mediterranean Gulls, 210 Common Gulls, 5 Fieldfares, 7 Chaffinches, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 33 Jackdaws, 23 Rooks, 45 Starlings, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 30 Meadow Pipits, 15 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Goldfinches and 14 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 8th December
The weather again was very mild today although it started off with a few mist patches, bird wise it was pretty good with an excellent total of 600 Mediterranean Gulls which headed west over the bottom lake mid afternoon, the Water Rail was also still present at the bottom lake but elusive as ever. Also noted was 1 Snipe, 260 Common Gulls, 234 Redwings, 3 Fieldfares, 9 Chaffinches, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 25 Jackdaws, 67 Rooks, 32 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 31 Meadow Pipits, 13 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 23 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 6th December
The weather was very mild today although it started off with a few mist patches, bird wise it was pretty good with the Water Rail still present at the bottom lake but elusive as ever, also the Little Egret which passed overhead. Also noted was 48 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Snipe, 4 Common Gulls, 135 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 11 Chaffinches, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 33 Jackdaws, 23 Rooks, 45 Starlings, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 15 Meadow Pipits, 9 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Goldfinches and 14 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 1st December
It was another good day on site with a nice variety of sightings, the bottom lake produced a Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Grebe and 3 Snipe. Other sightings 27 Common Gulls, 90 Redwings, 27 Fieldfares, 19 Chaffinches, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Blackbirds, 22 Song Thrushes, 9 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 62 Jackdaws, 34 Rooks, 9 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 33 Meadow Pipits, 15 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Goldfinches and 34 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 30th November
It was another sunny but very cold day but there was no sign of Yesterday's Black Bellied Dipper, but the bottom lake did produce a Little Egret which was a nice record for the site. Other sightings included 1 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 1 Crossbill, 1 Siskin, 10 Common Gulls, 160 Redwings, 14 Fieldfares, 20 Chaffinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 40 Blackbirds, 12 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 143 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 42 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Meadow Pipits, 10 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 34 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 29th November
It was another sunny but very cold day, but it did produce a most unexpected quality bird. Whilst working at the bottom lake this afternoon something with an white bib flew straight past me and landed on a board walk right opposite to where I was working, surely not!!, it was!! a BLACK BELLIED DIPPER I couldn't believe it as we was starring each other out about 20 feet away, I reached for the camera but as I moved the bird flew off and circled the lake, it was then seen to drop just the other side of the road towards Frogholt, amazing that's all I can say. It then returned very late afternoon calling and then seen dropping into roost. One unexpected bird not to forget in a hurry. Other sightings included 1 Water Rail, 10 Common Gulls, 260 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 10 Chaffinches, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 28 Blackbirds, 19 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 189 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 60 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Goldfinches and 29 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 28th November
Today was lovely but cold but there was certainly a nice selection of birds. Today's totals included 1 Water Rail, 1 Teal, 1 Snipe, 20 Mediterranean Gulls, 31 Common Gulls, 200 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 12 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 14 Blackbirds, 13 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 90 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 14 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Goldfinches and 21 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 21st November
Today was horrible with heavy showers on and off, but there was certainly a movement of birds taking place. Today's totals included 390 Mediterranean Gulls, 187 Common Gulls, 80 Black-headed Gulls, 390 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 160 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, another excellent movement of Blue Tits with at least 90 birds across the site, also 45 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 20 Blackbirds, 33 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 8 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 19 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 311 Jackdaws, 36 Rooks, 60 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 67 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches and 17 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 18th November
It started off rather cold today but soon warmed up leaving some nice sunny spells, bird wise it wasn't to bad with a total of 121 Mediterranean Gulls, 205 Common Gulls mainly heading south, 42 Black-headed Gulls , 6 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 145 Redwings, 9 Fieldfares, 40 Blackbirds, 16 Song Thrushes, 4 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 11 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 3 Ravens, 289 Jackdaws, 18 Rooks, 260 Starlings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 67 Meadow Pipits, 49 Chaffinches, 12 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Goldfinches and 42 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 17th November
Today was a rather wet and windy one, but there was a rather good bird on site with 3 Waxwings heading west over the main house during the afternoon. There was also another good total of Mediterranean Gulls involving 500 birds mainly heading south. Other sightings included 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 135 Common Gulls south, 42 Black-headed Gulls , 9 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 66 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 33 Blackbirds, 9 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 7 Coal Tits, 5 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 217 Jackdaws, 18 Rooks, 170 Starlings, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 45 Meadow Pipits, 8 Chaffinches, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 61 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 16th November
On a lovely mild day there was a few birds on the move, most of these were gulls including a total of 340 Mediterranean Gulls south, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 90 Common Gulls south, 60 Black-headed Gulls and 45 Herring Gulls. Other sightings were 10 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 89 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 23 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, 4 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 3 Ravens west, 116 Jackdaws, 11 Rooks, 46 Starlings, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 71 Meadow Pipits, 45 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches and 42 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 15th November
It was generally an overcast day but rather pleasant, totals today included 2 Crossbills, 40 Blue Tits, 1 Kingfisher 91 Mediterranean Gulls south, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 67 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares, 49 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ravens west, 100 Jackdaws, 22 Rooks, 125 Starlings, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 45 Chaffinches, 19 Goldfinches, 23 Pied Wagtails, 8 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Monday 14th November
It was a bit of a showery day but there was little in the way of wind, the main highlight was the total of Blue Tits with a total of 60 across the site. The Kingfisher once again put in a brief appearance this time at the bottom lake and there was another good count of Moorhens involving 24 birds. Other sightings included 18 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 30 Redwings, 26 Fieldfares, 40 Blackbirds, 16 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 16 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ravens west, 154 Jackdaws, 14 Rooks, 300 Starlings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 95 Chaffinches, 88 Goldfinches, 30 Pied Wagtails, 71 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Friday 11th November
A rather pleasant day with sunny spells and barely any wind at all. The main highlight once again was 7 Common Crossbills which headed west, and a female Teal at the bottom lake. The Kingfisher put in a brief appearance this time at the top lake and there was a good total of Moorhens involving 22 birds. Other sightings included 124 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 89 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 16 Fieldfares, 27 Blackbirds, 29 Song Thrushes, 3 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 113 Jackdaws, 62 Rooks, 350 Starlings, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 85 Chaffinches, 125 Goldfinches, 17 Moorhens, 30 Pied Wagtails, 12 Common Gulls and 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 10th November
Today was certainly a cold one with heavy showers on and off. Highlight of the day was 4 Common Crossbills which headed west, and a good number of Redwings involving about 500 birds. Other sightings included 10 Fieldfares, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 80 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants west, 2 Chiffchaffs, 160 Chaffinches, 7 Siskins, 39 Pied Wagtails, 176 Rooks, 131 Jackdaws, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Pheasant, 14 Moorhens, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Yellowhammers, 32 Meadow Pipits, 31 Linnets, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 42 Common Gulls, and 2 Bullfinches.
Tuesday 8th November
The weather was a lot better today with lovely sunny spells but very cold. Probably the main interest was the total of gulls seen on site with 160 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 56 Common Gulls, 85 Black-headed Gulls and 32 Herring Gulls. A Kingfisher was at the bottom lake and got slightly a bit closer to the camera, (but still not close enough, I will win in the end!!). Other sightings included 68 Redwings, 5 Fieldfares, 2 Chiffchaffs, 75 Chaffinches, 2 Siskins, 17 Goldfinches, 23 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron, 176 Rooks, 81 Jackdaws, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 7 Goldcrests, 1 Pheasant, 17 Moorhens, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Meadow Pipits, 17 Linnets, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 4 Bullfinches.
Monday 7th November
Today was a pretty miserable one with heavy showers and a biting wind, but still there was a few birds on show. The bottom lake produced 2 Teal, 25 Mediterranean Gulls west, 30 Common Gulls, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover west, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Lapwings south, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Yellowhammers and a Stonechat. Others noted on site were 2 Nuthatches, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 18 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 10 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Meadow Pipits, 1 Raven, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Goldcrests, 2 Kestrels, 120 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 62 Jackdaws, 16 Rooks, 1 Pheasant, 10 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 11 Moorhens and 8 Long-tailed Tits.
Friday 4th November
It was a cold but sunny start to the morning, but heavy showers were soon to follow in the afternoon. Highlight of the day without doubt was a Siberian Chiffchaff which was first heard calling repeatedly, and then seen in a sycamore tree by the main house before it disappeared alongside the Long-tailed Tit flock, but in general it was a pretty good day with other sightings being 67 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Stonechat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 33 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 3 Fieldfares, 48 Blackbirds, 19 Song Thrushes, 3 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 4 Yellowhammers, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 6 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 75 Jackdaws, 19 Rooks, 150 Starlings, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 45 Chaffinches, 38 Goldfinches, 17 Moorhens, 16 Pied Wagtails, 3 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 3rd November
A very similar day to Tuesday with the addition of 2 Ravens which headed west, and an increase of Mediterranean Gulls resulting in 65 birds heading south. Others noted were 3 Fieldfares, 42 Redwings (out of a total of 81), 7 Reed Buntings 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Nuthatches, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellowhammers, 10 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Bullfinches, 17 Pied Wagtails, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 88 Jackdaws, 42 Rooks, 14 Mallards, 62 Chaffinches and 130 Goldfinches.
Wednesday 2nd November
No coverage was possible today.
Tuesday 1st November
It wasn't a bad day in sunny and overcast conditions. A Kingfisher was at the top lake but elusive as usual, but there was a good number of Moorhens between the two lake with a top count of 22 birds, the bottom lake also produced a Brambling, 3 Fieldfares, 38 Redwings (out of a total of 61), 3 Reed Buntings and 3 Chiffchaffs. Other bits around the site were 3 Nuthatches, 6 Treecreepers, 1 Blackcap, 3 Yellowhammers, 15 Mediterranean Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Bullfinches, 10 Pied Wagtails, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 71 Jackdaws, 16 Rooks, 18 Mallards, 32 Chaffinches and 60 Goldfinches.
Monday 31st October
Today was similar to yesterday with a nice spell of sunshine and a slight easterly wind. The bottom lake was pretty good once again with 9 Tufted Ducks west, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Stonechats, 10 Goldcrests and 71 Redwings. Other sightings included 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Reed Buntings west, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Bramblings, 13 Fieldfares, 11 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 3 Yellowhammers, 5 Bullfinches, 47 Chaffinches, 82 Goldfinches, 41 Meadow Pipits, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 460 Starlings, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 12 Pied Wagtails, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorants, 6 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 22 Common Gulls and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Friday 28th October
Today was a lot better with a nice spell of sunshine and a slight easterly wind. The bottom lake was pretty good with 5 Shoveler, 11 Tufted Ducks, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Stonechats, 6 Goldcrests and 31 Redwings. Other sightings included 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Reed Buntings west, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Bramblings, 3 Fieldfares, 17 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Bullfinches, 31 Chaffinches, 29 Goldfinches, 32 Meadow Pipits, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 340 Starlings, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 10 Pied Wagtails, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants, 4 Coal Tits, 18 Common Gulls and 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 27th October
It was another pretty miserable morning with heavy fog patches, but the 4 Stonechats remained at the bottom lake which was good, and another slight movement of thrushes took place with 190 Redwings, 32 Song Thrushes, 19 Mistle Thrushes, 51 Blackbirds and another Ring Ouzel. Other sightings included a Kingfisher at the bottom lake and a Little Owl was seen again in the walled garden. Other sightings included 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 alba Wagtails west, 21 Pied Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Common Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Redpolls, 16 Siskins, 3 Cormorants west, 1 Grey Heron west, 90 Rooks, 156 Jackdaws, 1 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 12 Moorhens.
Wednesday 26th October
It was a pretty miserable morning weather wise with heavy cloud and one or two fog patches however, there was 4 Stonechats at the bottom lake which cheered things up a bit and another slight movement of thrushes mainly heading south with 250 Redwings, 54 Song Thrushes, 10 Mistle Thrushes, 30 Blackbirds and 1 Ring Ouzel. A Kingfisher was at the top lake and a Little Owl was briefly seen in the walled garden. Other sightings included 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 alba Wagtails west, 21 Pied Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 8 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Redpolls, 8 Siskins, 2 Cormorants west, 1 Grey Heron west, 52 Rooks, 90 Jackdaws, 1 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreepers, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 15 Moorhens.
Tuesday 25th October
Today was certainly a different contrast to yesterday, a lot busier and a good movement of birds. Totals for the day included 330 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 11 Reed Buntings south, 80 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 7 Bullfinches south, 128 Chaffinches, 100 Goldfinches, 600 Starlings mainly heading south, 4 Stonechats, 8 Grey Wagtails, 44 alba Wagtails south, 49 Song Thrushes, 60 Blackbirds, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Common Buzzards, 10 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Cormorants west, 3 Nuthatches, 7 Treecreepers, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens south, 178 Jackdaws, 61 Rooks, 1 Grey Heron and 7 Coal Tits.
Monday 24th October
It was one of those fairly quiet October days there was no movement of any kind and fairly quiet on land. Birds noted was 1 Stonechat, 10 Siskins, 2 Redpolls, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Redwings, 21 Chaffinches, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreepers, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Cormorant west, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Linnets, 10 Moorhens, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 11 Pied Wagtails, 22 Goldfinches, 80 Jackdaws, 37 Rooks, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 4 Coal Tits.
Friday 21st October
It was another lovely sunny October morning and once again there was a good selection of birds around. 3 Ring Ouzels were now present at the bottom lake which also produced the Great Crested Grebe and the Tufted Duck, a few Redwings were moving through once again this time with a count of 470, also 6 Fieldfares, 16 Song Thrushes, 2 Bramblings, 8 Reed Buntings, 128 Siskins, 450 Starlings, 61 Chaffinches, 30 Linnets and 129 Goldfinches. Others noted on site were 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests, 4 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 14 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 29 Meadow Pipits, 2 Cormorants west, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 57 Rooks, 240 Jackdaws, 8 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 alba Wagtails west, 30 Pied Wagtails, 7 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Nuthatches.
Thursday 20th October
On another crisp sunny October morning there was a good selection of birds around. A Ring Ouzel was at the bottom lake which also produced the Great Crested Grebe and a Tufted Duck, a few Redwings were moving through today with a count of 230, also 10 Fieldfares, 26 Song Thrushes, 6 Bramblings, 8 Reed Buntings, 43 Siskins, 250 Starlings, 90 Chaffinches, 80 Linnets and 113 Goldfinches. Others noted on site were 5 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 16 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 14 Moorhens, 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 116 Rooks, 189 Jackdaws, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 22 alba Wagtails west, 14 Pied Wagtails, 7 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Nuthatches.
Wednesday 19th October
It was another good birding day across the site with a late Whitethroat at the bottom lake and 4 Stonechats which stayed around for most of the morning. The Great Crested Grebe was still present and was joined with a Tufted Duck. Moving overhead was a Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 32 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 10 Fieldfares, 4 Reed Buntings, 34 Meadow Pipits, 110 Goldfinches, 19 Siskins, 190 Starlings, 49 Chaffinches and 18 Song Thrushes. Other sightings included 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 18 Moorhens, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 94 Rooks, 167 Jackdaws, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 19 alba Wagtails, 11 Pied Wagtails, 4 Grey Wagtails and 3 Nuthatches.
Tuesday 18th October
Bird of the day without doubt was a Red Kite which headed east at 14:00, but in general it was good on site with a few bits on the move, and included; 190 Siskins, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 250 Starlings, 33 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 90 Goldfinches, 31 Song Thrushes, 11 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 120 Meadow Pipits, 10 House Martins, 3 Swallows, 31 Common Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake, and a rather elusive Kingfisher was at the top lake. Other sightings included 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Bullfinches, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels,1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Yellowhammers, 82 Rooks, 2 Ravens, 256 Jackdaws, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Pheasants, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 13 alba Wagtails west and 18 Moorhens.
Monday 17th October
It was fairly quiet on a sunny and overcast day, a Ring Ouzel and Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake, with a Raven and Mediterranean Gull heading west over the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Bullfinches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Nuthatches, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 22 Redwings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 21 Goldfinches, 18 Linnets, 11 Meadow Pipits, 17 alba Wagtails west, 2 Yellowhammers, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Pied Wagtails, 16 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Wagtails, 157 Jackdaws, 61 Rooks, 10 Moorhens and 6 Goldcrests.
Friday 14th October
It was another sunny and overcast day with a light north easterly wind, the bottom lake produced 2 Ring Ouzels, 4 Fieldfares, 17 Redwings, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Chiffchaffs (Of the 21 Present on site), 3 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Heron, 85 Starlings, 2 Reed Buntings and 33 Siskins. Others noted on site were 2 Bullfinches, 3 Yellowhammers, 7 Swallows, 6 Grey Wagtails, 5 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Common Buzzards, 10 Pied Wagtails, 2 Pheasants, 240 Jackdaws, 106 Rooks, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 23 Meadow Pipits, 5 Jays, 18 Linnets, 2 Kestrels, 13 Moorhens and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Thursday 13th October
It was a lot fresher today but the sunshine still appeared making the day fairly pleasant. Highlight on site were 2 Ring Ouzels which were pretty elusive at the bottom lake, a Firecrest and the Great Crested Grebe which was still present, there was a good movement of Meadow Pipits heading south which involved 150 birds. Other sightings included a Kingfisher at the top lake, 20 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ravens, 11 Siskins, 3 Fieldfares, 25 Swallows, 23 Redwings, 3 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 15 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Grey Wagtails, 17 Pied Wagtails, 230 Jackdaws, 83 Rooks, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 34 Goldfinches, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellowhammers, 10 Linnets, 5 Jays, 55 Starlings and 15 Moorhens.
Wednesday 12th October
It was a day of sunshine and showers, the bottom lake was busy today with a total of 10 Ring Ouzels which headed south, also 10 Chiffchaffs, 34 Swallows, 62 House Martins, 3 Blackcaps, a late Willow Warbler, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Brambling, 43 Redwings, 10 Goldcrests and the Great Crested Grebe. Other sightings included 1 Little Owl, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 6 Siskins, 6 Treecreepers, 1 Kingfisher, 18 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 2 Nuthatches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Goldfinches, 36 Meadow Pipits, 61 Jackdaws, 90 Rooks, 18 Linnets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 9 Pied Wagtails, 11 Chaffinches, 1 Yellowhammer and 15 Moorhens.
Tuesday 11th October
On a more slightly overcast day there was a few thrushes on the move, these included 120 Redwings, 45 Fieldfares, 24 Mistle Thrushes and 55 Song Thrushes, 2 Ring Ouzels were at the bottom lake which also produced (18) of the 22 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps. Other sightings were 67 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Owl, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling at the top lake), 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Brambling, 33 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 13 Siskins, 23 alba Wagtails, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 16 Goldcrests, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Bullfinches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 103 Jackdaws, 52 Rooks, 1 Raven, 36 Linnets, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Skylarks, 14 Pied Wagtails and 17 Chaffinches.
Monday 10th October
It was a day of sunshine and a slight north easterly wind, best of the birds was a Ring Ouzel and a Great Crested Grebe which were both at the bottom lake. Other sightings included 20 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 32 Redwings, 45 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 6 Grey Wagtails, 10 Siskins, 51 Meadow Pipits, 32 alba Wagtails, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 12 Goldcrests, 8 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 88 Jackdaws, 43 Rooks, 1 Raven, 10 Linnets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Skylarks, 15 Song Thrushes, 10 Pied Wagtails and 24 Chaffinches.
Friday 7th October
The south easterly winds continue and resulting in a good number of birds on the move, today's sightings included 2 Lesser Redpolls, 33 Siskins, 140 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 4 Bramblings, 60 Song Thrushes, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 39 alba Wagtails west, 4 Pied Wagtails, 6 Grey Wagtails, 75 Meadow Pipits south, 2 Tree Pipits south, 130 Swallows, 20 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Raven, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 18 Mediterranean Gulls south, 6 Coal Tits, 10 Treecreepers, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Pheasants, 3 Bullfinches, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 136 Rooks, 91 Jackdaws, 82 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 32 Linnets, 1 Yellowhammer, 9 Mallards, 11 Moorhens, 4 Skylarks and the Great Crested Grebe which remains at the bottom lake.
Thursday 6th October
It was another overcast day and a slight south easterly wind, very good for birds this time of year and that proved so with a movement of 400 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 29 Song Thrushes, 50 Blackbirds, 70 Meadow Pipits, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 42 Swallows. The Great Crested Grebe remained in the same location and there was a good number of Treecreepers on site with at least 15 birds present. Others noted were 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Ravens, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bullfinches, 2 Nuthatches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Coal Tits, 150 Goldfinches, 30 Chaffinches, 30 Linnets, 28 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Kingfisher, 300 Jackdaws, 92 Rooks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels and 10 Moorhens.
Wednesday 5th October
There was a bit more cloud cover today and there was a few birds on the move and included 46 Redwings, 5 Fieldfares, 60 Chaffinches, 2 Common Crossbills, 61 Meadow Pipits, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 35 alba Wagtails, 26 Swallows and 45 House Martins. The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake still and 3 Ravens that headed west. Other sightings included 13 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 16 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Ravens, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Treecreepers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 145 Rooks, 180 Jackdaws, 90 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Goldcrests, 29 Linnets, 3 Grey Wagtails, 12 Mistle Thrushes and 9 Moorhens.
Tuesday 4th October
The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake enjoying the lovely sunny weather that we are currently having. There was a slight movement of Redwings today with 60 birds heading west, also 2 Bramblings and 1 Fieldfare. Others noted were 25 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 22 Swallows, 19 House Martins, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Ravens, 7 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels, 1 Bullfinch, 7 Treecreepers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 80 Rooks, 132 Jackdaws, 56 Goldfinches, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Goldcrests, 19 Linnets, 6 Grey Wagtails, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 50 Meadow Pipits and 7 Moorhens.
Monday 3rd October
It was another beautiful warm and sunny day with a slight south easterly wind. The main highlight was a Great Crested Grebe found at the bottom lake which is also a new bird for the site, autumn migrants included 2 Bramblings and 2 Redwings which headed south. Others noted was a Redstart in the pasture field, 20 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 10 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Raven, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 46 Rooks, 80 Jackdaws, 80 Goldfinches, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Goldcrests, 10 Linnets, 6 Grey Wagtails, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 10 Meadow Pipits and 10 Moorhens.
Friday 30th September
Today was back again to the nice sunny weather, birds noted were 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Peregrine, 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 150 House Martins, 80 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Raven, 30 Mediterranean Gulls west, 6 Common Buzzards, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Treecreepers, 25 Meadow Pipits, 190 Jackdaws, 73 Rooks, 2 Kestrels, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 25 Goldfinches, 19 Chaffinches, 8 Linnets, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 3 Jays.
Thursday 29th September
It was a miserable day with heavy showers on and off, but saying that the bird life was pretty good. A Ring Ouzel headed west over the bottom lake, and a Firecrest was seen by the main house, there was also a movement of 1,500 Swallows, 25 Sand Martins and 150 House Martins. Other sightings included 9 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Raven, 70 Mediterranean Gulls, 33 Goldfinches, 16 Chaffinches, 8 Treecreepers, 4 Nuthatches, 10 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 56 Rooks, 151 Jackdaws, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 22 Linnets and 10 Moorhens.
Wednesday 28th September
It was another lovely sunny day but fairly quiet on the bird side with few migrants around the site, there was another excellent count of 500 Mediterranean Gulls which headed west over the bottom lake, also 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. On land was 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 56 Swallows, 23 House Martins, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 5 Treecreepers, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Goldfinches, 81 Jackdaws, 132 Rooks, 1 Raven, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails, 16 Chaffinches, 22 Linnets, 22 Meadow Pipits, 4 Jays, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 13 Moorhens.
Tuesday 27th September
The day started off well with an excellent movement of gulls and included 500 Mediterranean Gulls heading west, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 270 Herring Gulls and 38 Black headed Gulls, but probably the best bird of the day was a male Hen Harrier which headed west over the bottom lake and is only the 2nd record for the site. Other sightings were 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 136 Swallows, 18 House Martins, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 4 Nuthatches, 6 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 7 Treecreepers, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Goldcrests, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 47 Goldfinches, 178 Jackdaws, 89 Rooks, 1 Raven, 4 Grey Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Bullfinch, 16 Chaffinches, 13 Linnets, 19 Meadow Pipits, 4 Jays, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 11 Moorhens.
Monday 26th September
It was a rather overcast day with the occasional heavy shower, but it did produce a good bird in the form of a Yellow-browed Warbler which was calling away at the bottom lake on and off for a couple of minutes, before a 15 minute spell of heavy rain arrived and that was that. Other sightings included 30 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 21 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Raven, 110 Swallows, 74 House Martins, 3 Nuthatches, 7 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Goldcrests, 49 Goldfinches, 1 Bullfinch, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 25 Blue Tits, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 85 Jackdaws, 260 Rooks, 11 Moorhens and 2 Pheasants.
Friday 23rd September
Today was dominated by hirundines with a constant movement involving hundreds of birds. Totals were 3,500 House Martins, 3,500 Swallows and 10 Sand Martins, on land there was 2 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 30 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Nuthatches, 7 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 49 Meadow Pipits, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Raven, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 11 Goldcrests, 13 Song Thrushes, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 27 Goldfinches, 3 Jays, 8 Linnets, 4 Grey Wagtails, 198 Jackdaws, 77 Rooks, 2 Pheasants, 11 Moorhens and 2 Grey Herons.
Thursday 22nd September
It certainly does not feel like the third week of September with another sunny and warm day. The Stonechat was still present at the bottom lake with a Whinchat and 19 Yellow Wagtails in the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 26 Chiffchaffs, 19 Blackcaps, 67 Meadow Pipits, 4 Reed Buntings, 7 Treecreepers, 6 Coal Tits, 560 Swallows, 130 House Martins, 2 Ravens, 48 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 18 Goldcrests, 25 Song Thrushes, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 42 Goldfinches, 3 Jays, 22 Linnets, 5 Grey Wagtails, 129 Jackdaws, 159 Rooks, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Moorhens and 2 Grey Herons.
Wednesday 21st September
It was another sunny and warm day, bird species were singles of Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Wheatear and Stonechat. There was a good number of warblers with 35 Chiffchaffs, 45 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 1 Willow Warbler. Others noted were 15 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Reed Buntings, 7 Treecreepers, 6 Coal Tits, 345 Swallows, 80 House Martins, 1 Raven, 78 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 13 Goldcrests, 20 Song Thrushes, 10 Mistle Thrushes, 89 Goldfinches, 4 Jays, 18 Linnets, 5 Grey Wagtails, 129 Jackdaws, 159 Rooks, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Moorhens and 2 Grey Herons.
Tuesday 20th September
Today was overcast but still rather pleasant, highlight of the morning was a Pied Flycatcher at the bottom lake, and a total of 15 Yellow Wagtails in the nearby pasture field. Warblers noted were 15 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps and 1 Reed Warbler. Other sightings included 450 Swallows, 230 House Martins, 70 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Goldcrests, 11 Mistle Thrushes, 20 Robins, 15 Song Thrushes, 23 Goldfinches, 3 Jays, 12 Linnets, 12 Chaffinches, 156 Rooks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 178 Jackdaws and 10 Moorhens.
Monday 19th September
It was a good day's birding with overcast conditions and a slight north/easterly wind. The first Redwing of the autumn was at the bottom lake which also held 2 Sedge Warblers and a Tree Pipit which headed west. Others noted around the site were 35 Chiffchaffs, 12 Blackcaps, 500 Swallows, 150 House Martins, 200 Meadow Pipits, 1 Snipe, 2 Lapwings, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Raven, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling at the top lake), 25 Goldfinches, 1 Kestrel, 20 Linnets, 16 Goldfinches, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Pheasants, 3 Jays, 190 Rooks, 63 Jackdaws and 10 Moorhens.
Friday 16th September
The morning started off very overcast with light drizzle then the heavy rain arrived for the rest of the day, bird wise it was pretty good with 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs and 9 Blackcaps at the bottom lake, followed with 3 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat and 3 Yellow Wagtails in the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 21 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Common Crossbill, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 8 Meadow Pipits, 2 Bullfinches, 10 Linnets, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Pheasants, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 36 Jackdaws, 51 Rooks, 1 Kingfisher and 11 Moorhens.
Thursday 15th September
There was a few migrants around on another sunny and hot day. A Redstart was at the bottom lake and nearby in the pasture field was a total of 8 Wheatears and 3 Whinchats. Other sightings included 1 Common Crossbill, 8 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 38 Swallows, 11 House Martins, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Bullfinches, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling in the early hours of this morning), 32 Goldfinches, 11 Linnets, 11 Chaffinches, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Yellowhammers, 63 Rooks, 34 Jackdaws, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Pied Wagtail and 3 Jays.
Wednesday 14th September
The main highlight today on another hot and sunny one was a total of 450 Mediterranean Gulls which headed west over the bottom lake during the morning. There was also a Kingfisher present but distant and elusive as ever. Other sightings included 2 Ravens, 3 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 49 Swallows, 11 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Treecreepers, 6 Coal Tits, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrels, 7 Common Buzzards, 4 Goldcrests, 31 Goldfinches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Chaffinches, 18 Linnets, 1 Yellowhammer, 74 Rooks, 48 Jackdaws, 2 Jays and 10 Moorhens.
Tuesday 13th September
A different contrast to yesterday with 3 new overnight arrivals, it was another glorious hot and sunny day to which the birds were certainly enjoying. The new arrivals was a Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher at the bottom lake, and a Wheatear in the nearby pasture field. The Raven put in a brief appearance over the top lake which also produced a Kingfisher (elusive as ever), and several Treecreepers. Also noted on site was 1 Corn Bunting, 5 Meadow Pipits, 26 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 3 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Pheasant, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Wagtail, 67 Rooks, 128 Jackdaws, 3 Jays, 4 Goldcrests, 10 Moorhens and 17 Stock Doves.
Monday 12th September
It was fairly quiet out on site on another hot and sunny day, best of all was a Raven which headed east over the pasture field by the bottom lake, and at long last I managed to get a quick photo shot of this bird that has pretty much eluded me over the last few months. Also noted was 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 33 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 2 Nuthatches, 1 Reed Bunting, 6 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Goldcrests, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, 8 Linnets, 10 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtails, 27 Rooks, 51 Jackdaws, 2 Jays and 10 Moorhens.
Friday 9th September
The weather was a lot more overcast today with the odd spell of sunshine and was fairly quiet compared to the last few days. Species noted were 8 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Nuthatches, 8 Treecreepers, 2 Bullfinches, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Ravens, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 4 Bullfinches, 450 Swallows, 90 House Martins, 8 Meadow Pipits, 2 Reed Buntings, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 22 Linnets, 37 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Jay, 89 Jackdaws, 121 Rooks, 6 Grey Wagtails, 8 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits and 7 Moorhens.
Thursday 8th September
Another glorious sunny and hot day with similar results to yesterday's birds. The bottom lake was again very good with 2 Whinchats, 13 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 8 Willow Warblers (In a site total of 11), 11 Chiffchaffs (in a site total of 16), 2 Whitethroats and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. The nearby pasture field produced 6 Yellow Wagtails, and 2 Hobbies .Other sightings included 3 Tawny Owls (Calling in the early hours of this morning, 1 Tree Pipit west, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 4 Bullfinches, 3 Nuthatches, 5 Treecreepers, 250 Swallows, 132 House Martins, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Reed Buntings, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 18 Linnets, 37 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 121 Jackdaws, 89 Rooks, 3 Grey Wagtails, 12 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits and 11 Moorhens.
Wednesday 7th September
It was another good day's birding with a few migrants around on another lovely hot and sunny day. The bottom lake was again very good with 3 Whinchats, 18 Blackcaps, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 12 Willow Warblers (In a site total of 18), 16 Chiffchaffs (in a site total of 23), 3 Whitethroats and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. The nearby pasture field produced 10 Yellow Wagtails, and 2 Hobbies which showed overhead. Other sightings included 1 Tree Pipit west, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Raven, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 3 Bullfinches, 3 Nuthatches, 7 Treecreepers, 350 Swallows, 156 House Martins, 8 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 12 Linnets, 32 Goldfinches, 19 Chaffinches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 76 Jackdaws, 83 Rooks, 7 Grey Wagtails, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits and 9 Moorhens.
Tuesday 6th September
It was a very humid and a mostly sunny day, there was a good number of birds around especially warblers at the bottom lake with 8 different species totaling 75 birds, and were as follows. 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, 14 Willow Warblers, 32 Blackcaps (Out of the 37 present), 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers and 17 Chiffchaffs (Out of the 21 present). Also around the site was 1 Tree Pipit west, 650 Swallows, 220 House Martins, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Raven, a good number of Treecreepers with 15 being noted, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Grey Wagtails, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Linnets, 33 Goldfinches, 15 Chaffinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, 121 Jackdaws, 154 Rooks, 3 Jays, 6 Meadow Pipits, 13 Moorhens and only the 3rd record of Collard Dove this year which was seen by the main house.
Monday 5th September
Today we had heavy drizzle and was the first bit of rain for sometime, also a light south easterly wind which certainly helped bring down a few migrants. The bottom lake was the busiest today with a good selection of warblers including 2 Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Willow Warblers, (15 out of the 19 Blackcaps) present, 8 Chiffchaffs and 1 Reed Warbler. A total of 10 Common Crossbills also flew over heading west and a Kingfisher which stayed all to briefly. Others noted around the site were 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Raven, 5 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Reed Buntings, 136 Swallows, 87 House Martins, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Bullfinches, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Linnets, 41 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 98 Jackdaws, 166 Rooks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel and 16 Moorhens.
Friday 2nd September
Today was a lot more overcast with very little in the way of sunshine, nevertheless there was still a few birds around. A Wheatear was present in the pasture field by the bottom lake, also 2 Whinchats and 2 Yellow Wagtails. Warblers were pretty good with a total of 20 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs and 1 Reed Warbler. Other sightings included 1 Raven, 129 Swallows, 51 House Martins, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Linnets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Meadow Pipits, 147 Jackdaws, 78 Rooks, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Jays and 10 Moorhens.
Thursday 1st September
It was another glorious hot and sunny day, bird wise it was pretty good also with a Hobby over the bottom lake, and the Whinchat which remained from yesterday. The pasture field opposite held 3 Yellow Wagtails, and there was a nice total of 8 Bullfinches which headed west. Other sightings included a Kingfisher at the top lake (Camera shy as ever), 2 Reed Warblers, 11 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Raven, 156 Swallows, 98 House Martins, 3 Reed Buntings, 32 Goldfinches, 3 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 4 Grey Wagtails, 12 Linnets, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Nuthatch, 6 Meadow Pipits, 128 Jackdaws, 92 Rooks, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Jay and 11 Moorhens.
Wednesday 31st August
The last day of the month produced another hot and sunny day, sightings included a Whinchat at the bottom lake and a Tree Pipit that headed west, there was also 2 Ravens, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers, 9 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 145 Swallows, 66 House Martins, 1 Sparrowhawk (Which took a Jackdaw this morning), 1 Kingfisher, 3 Yellowhammers, 5 Coal Tits, 5 Treecreepers, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Bullfinches, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 167 Rooks, 81 Jackdaws, 7 Meadow Pipits, 8 Linnets, 31 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Moorhens, 10 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Jay.
Tuesday 30th August
There was a few nice birds around today on another sunny and hot day. Our first Common Redstart was found by the bottom lake which also produced 2 Tree Pipits which headed east, and a Yellow Wagtail. Another good record for the site was 7 Common Crossbills heading west over the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 9 Common Buzzards, 94 Swallows, 18 House Martins, 2 Kestrels, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 22 Goldfinches, 14 Chaffinches, 77 Rooks, 131 Jackdaws, 1 Kingfisher, 14 Moorhens, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Goldcrests and 4 Song Thrushes.
Friday 26th August
On another hot and sunny day there was a few migrant species around. A Whinchat was at the bottom lake, and there was an increase in Willow Warblers with a count of 25 present around the site. Other sightings included 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 13 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Nuthatches, 5 Treecreepers, 6 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 132 Swallows, 27 House Martins, 8 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 30 Linnets, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Goldfinches, 17 Chaffinches, 1 Pheasant, 2 Yellowhammers, 133 Jackdaws, 90 Rooks, 7 Meadow Pipits, 2 Jays and 17 Moorhens.
Thursday 25th August
It was another very hot day which produced a good number of birds, in total there was 45 different species seen including quite an increase in numbers of the common migrants. Totals of the day were 16 Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Common Buzzards, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 145 Swallows, 23 House Martins, 3 Nuthatches, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Bullfinches, 25 Linnets, 33 Goldfinches, 7 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling at the top lake), 22 Chaffinches, 1 Hobby, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Yellowhammers, 235 Jackdaws, 121 Rooks, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrests, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Meadow Pipits, 18 Moorhens and 2 Jays.
Wednesday 24th August
There was some good birds around the site today which turned out to be another hot and sunny one. Best of all was another Wood Warbler which was briefly seen at the bottom lake (And is only the 21st record for the Folkestone area since 1980). also a Garden Warbler and 2 Reed Warblers at the same location. Also present was a Whinchat in the nearby pasture field and a Hobby which headed south. Other sightings included 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Meadow Pipits, 3 Yellowhammers, 62 Swallows, 19 House Martins, 5 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Nuthatch, 3 Goldcrests, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 84 Jackdaws, 67 Rooks, 3 Linnets, 27 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 2 Reed Buntings.
Monday 22nd August
Although a bit on the breezy side it was still a glorious hot and sunny day. The main highlight was a Grasshopper Warbler the 2nd this late summer which was present at the top lake, and there was 3 Yellow Wagtails which headed south over the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 9 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Bullfinches, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 42 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 3 Yellowhammers, 7 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 32 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Kingfisher, 94 Jackdaws, 77 Rooks, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Jays, 10 Linnets, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails and 16 Moorhens.
Friday 19th August
The day started off well with a few migrants around but when the rain arrived it suddenly went a bit quiet. The bottom lake held most of the warblers with 2 Garden Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs (10 in total), 2 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps (10 in total) and 4 Reed Warblers. There was 2 Hobby's hunting high over the pasture fields to which a count of 20 Mediterranean Gulls headed west. Other sightings included 1 Kingfisher (Got a distant picture at long last up the top lake), 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 3 Bullfinches, 130 Swallows, 18 House Martins, 4 Yellowhammers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling at the Top Lake), 33 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 4 Goldcrests, 128 Rooks, 347 Jackdaws, 3 Jays and 16 Linnets.
Thursday 18th August
Another glorious sunny day but there wasn't to much in the way of bird movement. At best was a Tree Pipit that was flushed from the pasture field and 2 Willow Warblers at the bottom lake. Other sightings included 1 Mediterranean Gull south, 2 Nuthatches, 89 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 7 Chiffchaffs, 5 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 5 Blackcaps, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Linnets, 21 Goldfinches, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 16 Moorhens and 1 Grey Heron.
Wednesday 17th August
There was a few birds around on site on another glorious sunny day. 3 Green Sandpipers headed west over the bottom lake, and there was 2 Nuthatches in the pasture field. A Kingfisher was up the top lake alongside 2 Grey Wagtails and 1 Grey Heron. Other sightings included 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 5 Coal Tits, 5 Treecreepers, 3 Yellowhammers, 10 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 84 Swallows, 5 House Martins, 365 Jackdaws, 53 Rooks, 27 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Bullfinch, 15 Moorhens and 3 Mistle Thrushes.
Tuesday 16th August
There was few passage migrants around today, the only difference was a Sand Martin which headed west and 2 Yellow Wagtails. The other sightings being 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 120 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 3 Bullfinches, 10 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 43 Goldfinches, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Grey Herons, 235 Jackdaws, 93 Rooks, 15 Moorhens, 8 Linnets, 2 Grey Wagtails and 3 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 15th August
A beautiful hot and sunny day but bird wise it was fairly quiet. An adult Mediterranean Gull headed west early on and there was a Hobby chasing about 40 Swallows around the pasture fields. At least 4 Spotted Flycatchers remained from last week with a lovely close up of an adult and youngster. Other sightings included 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 6 Reed Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Whitethroats, 8 House Martins, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammers, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 21 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Raven, 18 Linnets, 5 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 66 Jackdaws, 18 Rooks, 1 Pheasant, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron and 8 Mistle Thrushes.
Friday 12th August
Highlight of the day without doubt was 2 Wood Warblers which were present up at the top lake, there was also 7 Spotted Flycatchers including 5 young birds and 12 Willow Warblers. Others noted were 4 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 61 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 1 Bullfinch, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Common Buzzards, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 18 Goldfinches, 53 Jackdaws, 15 Rooks and 6 Mistle Thrushes.
Thursday 11th August
There was a new bird to the site today when an Oystercatcher headed west over the bottom lake, at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers were noted by the horse stables, with a Nuthatch and Kingfisher present up the top lake. Other sightings included 7 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 7 Treecreepers, 2 Ravens, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 5 Reed Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 72 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 1 Kestrel, 2 Reed Buntings, 13 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 13 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Grey Heron, 88 Jackdaws, 35 Rooks, 2 Pied Wagtails, 4 Linnets and 11 Moorhens.
Wednesday 10th August
It was another really good day's birding with some nice bits around. A Red Kite headed high to the west at 10am, followed shortly after by 26 Mediterranean Gulls, a family of 7 Spotted Flycatchers were seen up the top lake, also a Nuthatch which to my amazement I actually managed to see properly for the first time and photograph it, certainly a hard species to get on camera to say the least. Also on site was 2 Ravens heading south, 16 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Treecreepers, 7 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 91 Swallows, 11 House Martins, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Bullfinch, 13 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 137 Jackdaws, 155 Rooks, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Linnets, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Moorhens and 3 Meadow Pipits.
Tuesday 9th August
What a difference a day makes, there was some good birds on site in what was a glorious sunny day. Highlight of the morning was a Grasshopper Warbler which was briefly seen at the bottom lake, followed by an excellent number of 561 Jackdaws and 194 Rooks which headed over the bottom lake before landing in nearby pasture fields (Making the count a bit easier). There was also a Raven calling over the top lake which also held a Nuthatch and a Kingfisher with the latter still remaining very elusive. Other sightings were 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Tree Pipit west, 7 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Yellowhammers, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Wagtails, 161 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kestrel, 31 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Meadow Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails, 17 Chaffinches, 2 Tawny Owls (Calling in the early hours of this morning), 10 Moorhens and 18 Mallards.
Monday 8th August
It was a lovely sunny day but very quiet bird wise, The Kingfisher was at the top lake but proving elusive as usual, also a Nuthatch and 6 Coal Tits. Other sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 7 Treecreepers, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Buntings, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 72 Swallows, 31 House Martins, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, 33 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 11 Moorhens, 21 Mallards and 1 Grey Heron.
Friday 5th August
There was a total of 750 Swifts moving through today, also a few other migrants including 4 Willow Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler and 9 Chiffchaffs. Other sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Reed Buntings, 27 Swallows, 11 House Martins, 7 Coal Tits, 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Yellowhammers, 4 Goldcrests, 7 Treecreepers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 51 Goldfinches, 1 Bullfinch, 18 Chaffinches, 2 Tawny Owls (Calling in the early hours of this morning), 1 Pheasant, 17 Mallards, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 52 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 4 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails and 4 Mistle Thrushes.
Thursday 4th August
A Garden Warbler at the bottom lake was the first autumn bird for the year, showing that autumn may just be around the corner, there was also 10 Mediterranean Gulls over the bottom lake and a Willow Warbler in the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 1 Nuthatch and 1 Kingfisher at the top lake, also 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Bullfinch, 16 Swallows, 33 Swifts, 9 House Martins, 1 Kestrel, 6 Common Buzzards, 17 Goldfinches, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 29 Jackdaws, 19 Rooks, 1 Pheasant, 21 Mallards, 12 Moorhens, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits and 2 Meadow Pipits.
Wednesday 3rd August
Heavy rain on and off last night soon cleared to a mainly dry and sunny day. There was a few birds on site including 7 Willow Warblers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Hobby, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kingfishers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 5 Reed Warblers, 7 Treecreepers, 6 Goldcrests, 17 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 2 Reed Buntings, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Kestrel, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Yellowhammers, a good total of 128 Rooks mainly heading west, 31 Jackdaws, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 15 Mallards, 11 Moorhens and 1 Bullfinch.
Tuesday 2nd August
It was a bit miserable on site today with heavy rain on and off and a bit of mist in between. There was no early autumn migrants today so it was the local birds that was of interest. Sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellowhammers, 10 Swallows, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Coal Tits, 5 Treecreepers, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 45 Goldfinches, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Chaffinches, 20 Mallards, 8 Moorhens, 8 Rooks, 21 Jackdaws and 2 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 1st August
Best of the sightings today included 2 Kingfishers and a Nuthatch at the top lake, also on site was 6 Reed Warblers, 6 Common Buzzards, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Chaffinches and 9 Goldfinches.
Friday 29th July
The good thing about birding is the fact you never know what's going to turn up and when, and today was certainly one of them. The weather was generally very overcast with the odd spot of rain so I was more than surprised to come across 3 Red Kites with one bird heading west over the bottom lake at 08:30 and the other 2 birds south over the bottom lake at 10:00am, even if the conditions were not to great for photography luckily at least one bird dropped low enough for a nice photo shot, in fact the day was very good with 3 Ravens which also headed south over the bottom lake, a Green Sandpiper still at the top lake and now joined with a Common Sandpiper which showed fairly well. Other sightings included 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Blackcap, the first Willow Warbler of the autumn, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Rooks, 37 Jackdaws, 1 Kestrel, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Meadow Pipits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 24 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 12 Moorhens, 15 Mallards, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 11 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Coal Tits, 9 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Long-tailed Tits.
Thursday 28th July
On another beautiful hot and sunny day the birds certainly didn't disappoint, the top lake once again probably stole the show with the Green Sandpiper still present for its 3rd day but very elusive, alongside a Kingfisher, Nuthatch and a Common Crossbill that headed west. The bottom lake held 8 Reed Warblers many of which were juvenile birds, also 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Whitethroats and a Grey Heron. Other sightings were 26 Swallows, 18 House Martins, 4 Swifts, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Raven west, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 33 Jackdaws, 8 Rooks, 9 Moorhens, 15 Mallards, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 12 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches and 3 Long-tailed Tits.
Wednesday 27th July
There was certainly a change in weather today with overcast conditions and the occasional spell of rain, bird wise it was pretty good and once again the top lake held some pretty nice bits. The Green Sandpiper was still present there but very elusive, also a Kingfisher which was seen for about 10 seconds before heading off, a Nuthatch, Grey Heron, 4 out of the 6 Treecreepers seen today, 2 Grey Wagtails and 1 Bullfinch. Others noted around the site were 2 Tawny Owls calling in the early hours of this morning, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull south, 3 Coal Tits, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Blackcaps, 60 House Martins, 39 Swallows, 3 Swifts, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Pied Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Jay, 2 Meadow Pipits, 5 Moorhens, 28 Jackdaws and 10 Stock Doves.
Tuesday 26th July
Well what a difference today was to yesterday's birds and a few surprises to go with it. Best of all and a new bird for the site was a Green Sandpiper which was found at the top lake for about 5 minutes before heading off south, in fact the top lake was very good with a Kingfisher, Nuthatch, Grey Heron, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Bullfinches, 4 Goldcrests and 4 Treecreepers also seen. There was also an early returning Wheatear in the pasture field alongside the bottom lake, and a good number of juvenile Whitethroats with at least 10 birds present out of the 12 seen today. Other sightings was 1 adult Mediterranean Gull west, 4 Coal Tits, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Yellowhammers, 62 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 9 Swifts, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Pied Wagtails, 31 Jackdaws, 1 Raven west, 5 Rooks, 1 Pheasant, 8 Moorhens, 8 Mallards, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Jay, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chaffinches and 7 Goldfinches.
Monday 25th July
It was fairly quiet on site today but with autumn just around the corner it will certainly pick up very shortly. Best of the birds was a Nuthatch which was heard calling at the top lake, and a Tawny Owl which was briefly seen over the nearby pasture fields. Other sightings included 3 Coal Tits, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 77 Swallows, 26 House Martins, 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 7 Swifts, 27 Jackdaws, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 8 Moorhens and 8 Mallards.
Friday 22nd July
Although it was fairly quiet today in hot and sunny conditions it did produce a Grey Partridge which was a new species for the year, other sightings included 4 Common Buzzards, 120 Swallows, 40 House Martins, 3 Treecreepers, 5 Yellowhammers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warblers, 32 Jackdaws, 9 Rooks, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Coal Tits, 8 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Mallards, 9 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron and 3 Linnets.
Thursday 21st July
It was very quiet on site today in sunny and overcast conditions, sightings included 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Swifts, 45 House Martins, 66 Swallows, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 47 Jackdaws, 15 Rooks, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Tawny Owls (heard calling in the early hours of this morning), 2 Pied Wagtails, 20 Mallards, 8 Moorhens, 7 Meadow Pipits, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Song Thrushes which are a bit scarce on site these days.
Wednesday 20th July
What was meant to be a hot and sunny day turned out to be generally overcast, nevertheless it didn't disappoint bird wise with a record number for the site of 116 Mediterranean Gulls, which were all moving in a westerly direction over the pasture fields by the bottom lake. Other sightings included 2 Bullfinches, 87 Swallows, 30 House Martins, 5 Swifts, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Reed Buntings, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 65 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 1 Meadow Pipit, 11 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 Moorhens, 8 Mallards, 2 Goldcrests and 15 Stock Doves.
Monday 18th July
A lovely hot and sunny day produced a nice total of 30 Mediterranean Gulls which headed west over the pasture fields during the morning, there was also a Raven which headed east and a Common Crossbill over the top lake. Other sightings included 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Reed Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 78 Swallows, 3 Swifts, 10 House Martins, 13 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Meadow Pipits, an excellent site count of 103 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Linnets, 8 Moorhens, 7 Mallards, 5 Common Buzzards and 2 Reed Buntings.
Friday 15th July
Two glorious days in a row perhaps summer is on its way after all!!, highlight of the day was the above photo where I managed to get 3 Green Woodpeckers in the same tree together not something iv'e ever managed to achieve before, in fact it was a very good day for the above species with 10 birds seen around the site. Other sightings included 1 Common Crossbill west, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Raven west, 6 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 90 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 5 Swifts, 8 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 27 Jackdaws, 9 Rooks, 10 Stock Doves, 11 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Jays, 7 Moorhens and 7 Mallards.
Thursday 14th July
A glorious day with plenty of sunshine and a light north easterly wind, sightings today included 6 Reed Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 3 Reed Buntings, 110 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 6 Swifts, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 2 Kestrels, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Cormorants west, 27 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Moorhens, 5 Mallards, 13 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches and 2 Pheasants.
Wednesday 13th July
A day of sunshine and showers but it was still a fairly good day with a few nice sightings. It was pretty good for raptors with 2 Hobby's hunting over the pasture fields, also 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrels. Others noted were 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Raven, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 25 Jackdaws, 7 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Linnets, 8 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 8 Mallards, 8 Moorhens, 1 Cormorant, 2 Pied Wagtails 123 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 3 Swifts and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Tuesday 12th July
Sunny and overcast today with the odd spot of rain, there was a few juvenile birds on show including 6 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Buntings and 5 Chiffchaffs, a Cormorant at the bottom lake also put on a good pose for the camera. Other sightings were 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Raven, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 94 Swallows, 27 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 26 Jackdaws, 8 Rooks, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Moorhens, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Meadow Pipits, 11 Chaffinches and 6 Goldfinches.
Monday 11th July
Today was sunny with a slight southerly wind, bird wise it was pretty good with 2 Ravens which headed west over the bottom lake, also a Hobby which was chasing Swallows around the pasture fields. A Tawny Owl was heard calling at the top lake which also produced 6 of the 7 Common Buzzards seen. Other bits included 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Treecreepers, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, a good count of 146 Swallows, 33 House Martins, 8 Swifts, 10 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 6 Moorhens, 7 Mallards, 26 Jackdaws, 8 Rooks and 1 Pheasant.
Friday 8th July
It was very similar weather conditions to yesterday being overcast and a few sunny spells, the wind was a bit more stronger swinging round to a more southerly direction. Bird wise the Kingfisher was seen again this time at the top lake for the third day in a row but very briefly, and there was an increase in hirundines with a count of 90 Swallows many of which were juvenile birds. A good record for the site was of a male Peregrine which shot through at high speed over the pasture fields. Other sightings included 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Pheasants, 6 Moorhens, 8 House Martins, 1 Swift, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 29 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Thursday 7th July
Today was overcast with a few sunny spells, it felt quiet out on site but it did produce a Kingfisher for the second day running at the bottom lake, unfortunately it was to distant for any decent close up photo shots in the 5 minutes that it stayed around. Other sightings included 2 Ravens west, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Tawny Owls (Calling in the early hours of this morning), 3 Treecreepers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Bullfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Reed Warblers, 2 Kestrels, 42 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 7 Swifts, 8 Moorhens, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 11 Goldfinches, 8 Chaffinches, 33 Jackdaws, 4 Rooks, 2 Pheasants and 3 Green Woodpeckers.
Wednesday 6th July
It was another beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and a few nice birds to go with it. The bottom lake produced a Kingfisher which showed on and off for about 10 minutes, and a new brood of Reed Warblers with 8 birds showing in total. A Little Owl was seen in the pasture fields near the main house and is the first sighting for some time, also 2 Ravens headed west, and 3 Bullfinches were noted in the walled garden. Other bits included 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Cormorant, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 32 Jackdaws, 10 Rooks, 39 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 10 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 6 Mallards, 8 Moorhens and 3 Linnets.
Tuesday 5th July
It was a bit overcast today but we did have a few sunny spells here and there. It was fairly quiet on site but probably typical for July. Species seen included 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Nuthatch, 5 Blackcaps, 32 Swallows, 8 Swifts, 2 House Martins, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Yellowhammers, 9 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Goldcrests, 25 Jackdaws, 1 Kestrel, 5 Mallards, 5 Moorhens and 1 Linnet.
Monday 4th July
At long last a day of decent weather with glorious sunshine and a light southerly wind. There was a few bits around today including 2 Lesser Whitethroats which were singing up the top lake, also 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 33 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Coal Tits, 5 Treecreepers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Mallards, 3 Moorhens and 29 Jackdaws.
Friday 1st July
Another miserable day with light to heavy rain, is summer ever going to start!!, bird wise it was fairly quiet apart from 2 Ravens which headed west early on and was the first time these birds have been seen for a little while. Other bits on site included 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Yellowhammers, a good total of 95 House Martins, 46 Swallows, 1 Cormorant west, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 16 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Nuthatch, 5 Moorhens, 6 Mallards, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Skylark, 28 Jackdaws and 3 Rooks.
Thursday 30th June
Today was not good for a couple of reasons, the weather once again was pretty awful with mostly heavy rain during the morning, and worst of all was the finding of one of our resident Tawny Owls which unfortunately last night flew into the wall of the walled garden, subsequently breaking its neck. Away from this dismal news it was pretty hard going on site today against the poor weather, birds noted were 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Skylark, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 29 House Martins, 24 Swallows, 7 Moorhens, 3 Mallards, 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chaffinches, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Goldfinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Rooks and 28 Jackdaws.
Wednesday 29th June
Today started off brightly with some good spells of sunshine but soon changed to a more overcast day, birding wise it was very good with some nice bits around, but especially when I went down to the bottom lake and found 2 male Cuckoo's with one bird showing on and off for about half an hour, eventually giving me the chance of a few photo shots when it briefly settled down. This is a bit special as its a bird rarely seen here on site, and a photograph or two makes it that little bit more exciting. The rest of the site also fared pretty well with a Tawny Owl calling at the top lake, also 1 Nuthatch, 2 Hobby's, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 3 Treecreepers, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cormorant west, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Meadow Pipits, 3 Rooks, 28 Jackdaws, 7 Mallards, 4 Moorhens, 23 Swallows, 2 Swifts, 2 House Martins, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 Grey Heron.
Tuesday 28th June
There was a few birds on site today which were enjoying another day of sunshine, and with a slight southerly breeze it turned out to be fairly pleasant. The morning started off well with 3 Hobby's hunting around the pasture fields alongside 4 of the 6 Common Buzzards noted. The bottom lake was pretty lively with a few juvenile birds beginning to show, best of these was 6 Reed Warblers ( 9 in total), 4 Chiffchaffs and a family of 6 Blackcaps (8 in total), there was also 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron and a Cormorant which headed west. Other bits on site included 2 Treecreepers, 1 Little Owl, 1 Tawny Owl (both owls calling at the top lake), a good count of 30 Starlings heading south (not many seen here), 3 Coal Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel, 13 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 25 Swallows, 2 Swifts, 20 House Martins, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Meadow Pipits, 29 Jackdaws, 8 Rooks and 7 Black-headed Gulls.
Monday 27th June
The morning started off with light to heavy rain but soon improved to produce some nice sunny spells. There was a few nice birds around this morning with a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher by the bottom lake, also a family of 5 Meadow Pipits and 2 Yellowhammers. Others noted included 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Buntings, 7 Swifts, 21 Swallows, 40 House Martins, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 1 Jay, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Goldcrests, 39 Jackdaws, 7 Rooks, 1 Kestrel, 2 Tawny Owls (Briefly calling at the top lake), 1 Skylark and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Friday 24th June
It was another beautiful hot and sunny day, bird wise it wasn't to bad with a few juveniles on show. Sightings included 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Yellowhammers, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Swifts, 25 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 3 Meadow Pipits, 28 Jackdaws, 7 Rooks, 5 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 8 Goldfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Goldcrests. There was a few young birds on site today with 18 Blue Tits, 9 Great Tits, 8 Robins and 8 Dunnocks.
Thursday 23rd June
After last night's thunderstorms and heavy rain today brought some nice decent sunny weather, bird wise it was very good with 2 Common Crossbills heading south during the morning, also 2 Spotted Flycatchers which reappeared after a short absence. There was another surprise when 3 Jays headed south over the bottom lake, a bird that is rarely seen here these days. Other bits included 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Reed Bunting, 5 Reed Warblers, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Tawny Owl (calling at the top lake), 1 Bullfinch elusive as ever, 4 Blackcaps, 18 Swallows, 3 Swifts, 3 House Martins, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Moorhens, 5 Mallards, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipits, 32 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat and 2 House Sparrows.
Wednesday 22nd June
It was another frustrating morning with heavy mist dominating almost everywhere on site, but saying that I did manage to rattle off a few photographs best of all was the above with 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers posing on a wooden post. Bird wise well it was difficult to see what was around due to the weather but there was at least 4 Reed Warblers, 2-3 Tawny Owls calling in the early hours of this morning, with a bird also seen in flight last night, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 23 Swallows, 3 Swifts, 2 House Martins, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Coal Tits, 21 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Mallards and 3 Moorhens.
Tuesday 21st June
Today started of very overcast and then misty, but soon improved to leave a glorious sunny morning/afternoon, there was a few bits around including 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Coal Tits, 13 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 1 Yellowhammer, 16 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 3 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 4 Meadow Pipits, 20 Rooks, 26 Jackdaws, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Pheasant, 4 Mistle Thrushes, 2 House Sparrows 1 Starling and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Monday 20th June
Until late afternoon when the sun eventually emerged this morning was awful with constant heavy rain and a strong westerly wind. Today had a bit of coverage but it was pretty difficult. Sightings included 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellowhammers, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 17 Swallows, 1 Swift, 2 House Martins, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Mallards, 17 Jackdaws, 20 Rooks, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Friday 17th June
A mixed day of sunshine and heavy showers resulted in a difficult morning, still there was a few bits to enjoy including 3 Bullfinches at the top lake, and a Hobby which headed west. Other bits noted were 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Mallards, 6 Blackcaps, 10 Swifts, 20 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Chaffinches, 4 Goldfinches, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Pheasant, 45 Jackdaws, 17 Rooks, 1 Meadow Pipit and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Thursday 16th June
A beautiful sunny day resulted in a nice total of 12 Common Buzzards which were soaring over the pasture fields, the 2 Tufted Ducks reappeared at the bottom lake and a male Bullfinch was briefly noted in the walled garden. Other sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Swifts, 16 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 37 Jackdaws, 33 Rooks, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 2 Starlings.
Wednesday 15th June
There was a few nice bits on site today with a Hobby over the pasture fields chasing Swallows, and 2 Bullfinches which headed over the walled garden. A Tawny owl was also briefly seen by the top lake. Others noted were 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, 6 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 1 Meadow Pipit, 23 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 6 Swifts, 1 Grey Heron, 23 Rooks, 42 Jackdaws, 1 Pheasant and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Tuesday 14th June
It was another overcast day with the odd spot of rain and a fresh south westerly wind. There was a total of 8 Common Buzzards with 5 birds seen together, also 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 7 Reed Warblers, 4 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats, 31 Jackdaws, 40 Rooks, 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 22 Swallows, 13 Swifts, 11 House Martins, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Goldcrests, 6 Moorhens, 6 Mallards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Meadow Pipit and 3 Tawny Owls calling in the early hours of this morning.
Monday 13th June
Typical British weather a couple of good sunny days then back to rain and cloudy conditions and today was once again it was just that. There was a couple of good birds around with a Spotted Flycatcher by the top lake and a Jay briefly seen in the pasture field near the main house, the latter is certainly a bit of a site rarity these days, the rest of the sightings were 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 25 Swallows, 10 Swifts, 9 House Martins, 4 Yellowhammers, 2 Coal Tits, 12 Chaffinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Moorhens, 8 Mallards, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 House Sparrows, 51 Jackdaws, 43 Rooks, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Pheasants and 2 Meadow Pipits.
Friday 10th June
The weather was overcast with a couple of showers throughout the day, bird wise it wasn't to bad in a brisk westerly wind. Sightings included 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine west, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Goldcrests, 14 Chaffinches, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 31 Swallows, 5 Swifts, 16 House Martins, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Buntings, 40 Jackdaws, 36 Rooks, 6 Linnets, 6 Moorhens, 7 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron west, 2 Meadow Pipits, 11 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Thursday 9th June
Today started off very overcast with a slight northerly wind, but the sun did eventually break through late morning. There was a lot of activity around the site with very busy Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Blackbird parents feeding their young. There was no sign of yesterday's GREENISH WARBLER after a good search but today did produce 2 Tawny Owls which were calling at the top lake, also a Kingfisher which shot through the bottom lake at some speed, others species included 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 28 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 2 Reed Buntings, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Yellowhammers, 12 Chaffinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 2 Moorhens, 4 Mallards, 29 Jackdaws, 1 Meadow Pipit, 48 Rooks, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Linnets, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 15 Blue Tits, 1 Mistle Thrush and 10 Wrens.
Wednesday 8th June
GREENISH WARBLER steals the show. Overnight thunderstorms with heavy rain soon cleared up this morning to leave another dry and sunny day. Due to the overnight weather It did look good for a potential scarce or rare migrant (well that's what you hope for anyway). An early visit to the bottom lake produced 2 Tufted Ducks which are pretty scarce down on these lakes, 7 Mallards, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Moorhens, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps (in a total of 9), 7 Reed Warblers and 1 Yellowhammer. After this I covered the pasture land area with 8 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 36 Jackdaws (51 in total), 35 Rooks (42 in total), 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Goldfinches (15 in total), and a Little Owl. At 09:45 I went to the top lake which is surrounded by mature woodland and straight away within seconds I heard a GREENISH WARBLER singing in some nearby sycamore trees it done this for about 5 minutes and eventually showed itself at 09:50 just for a few seconds high up in the tree tops, unfortunately it did not call or show again up to 10:40am at least but may still be present. Other sightings around were 3 Chiffchaffs, 17 Chaffinches, 11 Goldfinches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 House Martins, 17 Swallows and a Coal Tit.
Tuesday 7th June
Once again the weather was glorious with constant sunshine pretty much throughout the day, the site had a lot more coverage today and there was a few birds to be seen. Best of all was a female Peregrine which headed west late afternoon chasing a few Swallows on its way. Other sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Reed Buntings, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 12 House Martins, 23 Swallows, 4 Swifts, 12 Chaffinches, 3 Linnets, 8 Goldfinches, 20 Blue Tits, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Moorhens, 2 Pheasants, 1 Tawny Owl, 2 Yellowhammers, 33 Jackdaws, 35 Rooks, 6 Starlings, 2 House Sparrows, 7 Mallards, 3 Meadow Pipits, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Pied Wagtails and 1 Grey Heron.
Monday 6th June
Today was beautiful with lovely sunny conditions followed with a very light northerly wind. Sightings today were very limited as most of the day was spent doing some on site conservation work. Birds that were seen included 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Yellowhammer, 21 Jackdaws, 6 Rooks, 10 Goldfinches, 4 Chaffinches, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 30 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 9 Mallards including this lovely brood which spent most of there time on the swimming pool by the main house, but unfortunately there was originally 11 ducklings which were reduced to 6 within a couple of days nature can be cruel at times.
Friday 3rd June
Weather conditions were slightly better today with the wind dropping considerably, but it still remained in a northerly direction but at least the rain disappeared to leave a mainly overcast day. Bird wise it was pretty good especially for the above species with a total of 9 Yellowhammers being seen which is a site record, along with 2 Bullfinches which again are becoming a bit of a rarity in the UK. Others noted were 3 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Siskin, 2 Pheasants, and an excellent count of 125 House Martins this morning, also 43 Swallows, 56 Jackdaws, 4 Rooks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Starlings (another site rarity at the moment), 4 Linnets, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Tawny Owls, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Meadow Pipits and of interest away from birds there was 2 Bee Orchids at the bottom lake today (photos shown under Flora).
Thursday 2nd June
Today was miserable with light to heavy rain and a strong north westerly wind which in turn was difficult for any type of bird recording. Species noted were 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammers, 16 Chaffinches, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Moorhens (including 3 young at the bottom lake) 33 Swallows, a very good count of 70 House Martins, 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 40 Jackdaws 6 Rooks and 1 Jay (with the latter being a bit of a site rarity these days).
Wednesday 1st June
The first day of the month was a bit disappointing with a blustery north westerly wind which isn't the best of conditions for any migrant birds, so it was pretty much down to the locals to steal the show. A visit to the bottom lake produced 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps (6 in total), 2 Moorhens and 3 Long-tailed Tits. It was certainly hard work, but other species that were seen included 4 Treecreepers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellowhammers, 33 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 1 Pheasant, 3 Pied Wagtails, 55 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Goldfinches, 9 Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrows, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Tuesday 31st May
It was a horrible day on site with heavy showers on and off, and a moderate to strong easterly wind. Not surprisingly this in turn did have a big affect on the bird sightings and it was pretty hard work. Birds seen today included 1 Raven (west), 1 Coal Tit, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Blackcaps, 34 Swallows, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants, 6 Linnets, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Goldfinches, 9 Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrows, 1 Tawny Owl (calling again at the top lake), 25 Jackdaws and 2 Rooks.
Friday 27th May
Thursday 26th May
It was another beautiful sunny day with a slight south easterly wind and the birds were certainly enjoying the warm sunshine. The bottom lake was pretty active with 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Buntings, 7 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 6 Blackcaps (12 in total), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Yellowhammer (4 in total), 1 Yellow Wagtail (east), 5 Chaffinches (15 in total), 2 Goldcrests, 3 Long-tailed Tits and best of all was a female Peregrine which headed south. Others noted were 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Yellowhammers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant (west), 2 Grey Wagtails, 25 Swallows, 17 House Martins, 6 Linnets, 9 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Pied Wagtails and a Tawny Owl which was calling at the top lake.
Wednesday 25th May
Today was sunny and overcast with a slight southerly wind, along with the sightings we had another good conservation day where we was strimming and clearing up around the bottom lake area. Birds noted were 2 Whitethroats, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 25 Swallows, 31 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant (west), 1 Coal Tit, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Linnets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 House Sparrows, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 30 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Pheasants, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Mallards and 4 Moorhens.
Tuesday 24th May
The weather started of pretty dull this morning but soon changed to leave a nice sunny and fairly warm day. As expected there was no sign of the Red-rumped Swallow today but it was still an enjoyable one with a few bits of interest. There was a slight increase in numbers with some species with 4 Yellowhammers, 4 Chiffchaffs 7 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and at least 11 Common Buzzards spread over the site. Other sightings included 9 Blackcaps, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Reed Buntings, 32 House Martins, 29 Swallows, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 2 House Sparrows, 62 Jackdaws, 4 Rooks, 2 Pheasants, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Meadow Pipit, 5 Moorhens, 3 Mallards and 4 Linnets.
Monday 23rd May
*WHAT A DAY*, when arriving on site the weather was very overcast with a slight drizzle and it looked good for a possible special migrant, with the added bonus of some overnight rain anything that was about was sure to hang around. The morning started off well with plenty of activity at the bottom lake including 6 Reed Warblers, our first Sedge Warbler of the year, 3 Reed Buntings, 6 Blackcaps (in an overall total of 14), 2 Treecreepers (6 in total), and a Grey Heron, carrying on there was 8 Common Buzzards displaying over the pasture fields, and a Hobby which headed west at some speed. But the star of the day was soon to come, I ventured towards the top lake area where all that was present was 2 Swallows, but suddenly the weather changed with now extremely low cloud cover and heavier drizzle, within a couple of minutes at least 70 House Martins appeared alongside 10 Swallows, checking through these carefully I didn't expect to find the ultimate prize when I managed to pick out a RED RUMPED SWALLOW feeding alongside them, the bird stayed around on and off for about 2 hours before departing along with the rest of the hirundines, a cracking rarity for the site and a much enjoyed one to say the least. It was just a shame that it didn't come down low for a few better pictures but were certainly not complaining. This RED RUMPED SWALLOW was only the 13th recorded in the Folkestone area since the first one strangely back on the same date the 23rd May 1992. The rest of the other sightings were, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 27 Swallows, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Moorhens, 13 Chaffinches, 3 Goldfinches, 4 Linnets, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Nuthatch, 2 House Sparrows, 6 Starlings, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Pheasant.
Friday 20th May
Today was back to some lovely weather with sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures up to 18 degrees, the wind went round to a slight north westerly which in turn was pretty good for raptors, this was certainly the case when our 2nd Red Kite of the year headed high west over the bottom lake, unfortunately it was just to distant for any decent photographs, there was also 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrels. Another nice bird today was 2 Spotted Flycatchers which were present near the top lake, and a Nuthatch but the latter was extremely elusive. Others species noted were 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellowhammer, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 40 House Martins, 23 Swallows, 7 Swifts, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant, 4 Moorhens, 2 Pheasants, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Skylark, 15 Chaffinches, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Pied Wagtails, 11 Goldfinches, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Linnets and 2 Tawny Owls which were calling in the early hours of this morning.
Thursday 19th May
The weather started off nice and bright but soon changed to leave a rather cloudy morning, bird wise it was fairly good, the slight surprise was due to a few overnight downpours it might of just brought down a nice scarce migrant or two. Best of the highlights was 2 Tawny Owls heard in the early hours of this morning, but there was still a few other bits on show. The Common Buzzards put on a good display with 6 birds showing over the pasture fields, and there was 3 Yellowhammers today all flyovers by the bottom lake, the latter also held 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Moorhens and a Grey Heron. Other bits on site included 7 Blackcaps, 2 Swifts, 4 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 23 Swallows, 29 Jackdaws, 1 Rook, 2 Pheasants, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 9 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches, 4 Linnets, 2 House Sparrows and 9 Stock Doves.
Wednesday 18th May
A change in weather today with heavy showers and sunshine on and off and a strong chilly easterly wind, this made a big difference to the numbers of bird seen, nevertheless there was still 7 Common Buzzards over the pasture fields, and a Little Owl by the walled garden, but a lot of species were keeping quiet. Other species included 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Treecreepers, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Meadow Pipit, 25 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 4 Moorhens, 5 Mallards, 21 Jackdaws, 1 Rook, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Chaffinches, 13 Goldfinches, 2 Linnets, 1 Pheasant, 2 Reed Buntings, 10 Stock Doves, 2 House Sparrows, 2 Mistle Thrushes and a Tawny Owl calling in the early hours of this morning.
Tuesday 17th May
It was another warm and sunny day with a few different species on show, best of all was 2 Ravens which were seen over the bottom lake, and was soon followed with 7 Common Buzzards which were showing on and off over the pasture fields, the Little Owl also put in a brief appearance by the walled garden. Others noted around the site were 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 22 Swallows, 30 House Martins, 12 Chaffinches, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Pheasants, 31 Jackdaws, 3 Linnets, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Monday 16th May
The site had limited coverage today due to some conservation work down at the bottom lake, birds that were seen included 9 Common Buzzards, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 21 Swallows, 35 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Pheasant, 28 Jackdaws, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 4 Moorhens, 7 Goldfinches and 3 Linnets.
Friday 13th May
After a cloudy start it soon turned out to be another lovely sunny and warm day, today's sightings included a Raven which was briefly seen heading over the hills from the pasture fields, also 3 Common Buzzards, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 30 House Martins, 2 Swifts, 26 Swallows, 5 Moorhens, 28 Jackdaws, 1 Kestrel, 2 Mallards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Pheasant, 28 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Mistle Thrushes, also our first Collard Dove of the year was recorded in the walled garden, and 2 Tawny Owls were heard calling in the early hours of this morning.
Thursday 12th May
The weather was very overcast first thing this morning with the odd spell of light rain, but at least it didn't last long and the sun was soon out late morning. Bird wise it was a bit quieter than yesterday even so there was a rather good bird when a Red Kite headed west at 09:50 over the bottom lake this being only the second record for the site. There was also a flyover Tree Pipit and a Yellow Wagtail in the pasture field. Other sightings included 1 Little Owl, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Reed Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Meadow Pipits, 3 Moorhens, 33 Jackdaws, 7 Mallards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pheasants, 26 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 22 Chaffinches, 18 Goldfinches, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Mistle Thrushes.
Wednesday 11th May
A brilliant day on site with a total of 52 different species seen, it certainly helped with some heavy overnight rain, but was slightly overshadowed with thick mist which lasted for most of the morning, nevertheless the birds did begin to show. 1 Hobby, 2 Tufted Ducks and a Corn Bunting were all new for the year, but overall it was excellent all round and there was an increase in numbers with some of the migrant birds with 7 Reed Warblers now present and 17 Blackcaps. There was just a single Raven heard in the mist, but 6 Common Buzzards showed over the pasture fields. Others noted around the site were 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Little Owl, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Meadow Pipits, 29 Jackdaws, 4 Mallards, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pheasants, 30 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 20 Chaffinches, 18 Goldfinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Swifts and at least 3-4 Tawny Owls calling loudly during the early hours of this morning.
It was another foggy and frosty day and rather cold to go with it. Today's Sightings included 2 Little Egrets between the top and bottom lakes and the Water Rail which was still present but again very elusive. Others noted were 2 Grey Herons, 1 Coot, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 38 Common Gulls, 33 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Ravens, 14 Redwings, 2 Bramblings, 10 Song Thrushes, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 1 Common Buzzard, 90 Jackdaws, 5 Rooks, 4 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 4 Mallards, 11 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and 15 Pied Wagtails.
A foggy and frosty start to the day but it soon cleared up to leave a mostly sunny and cloudy day. Sightings included 3 Little Egrets between the top and bottom lakes and the Water Rail which was still present but very elusive. Others noted were 2 Grey Herons, 1 Coot, 21 Mediterranean Gulls, 27 Common Gulls, 33 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 7 Redwings, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 1 Common Buzzard, 113 Jackdaws, 17 Rooks, 2 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 19 Mallards, 22 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and 21 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 23rd December
It was another lovely day with a nice few spells of sunshine and no wind. The Coot was still at the bottom lake and the Little Egret remained at the top lake. Also the Water Rail was seen again at the bottom lake but very elusive. Other sightings included 44 Mediterranean Gulls, 120 Common Gulls, 61 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 13 Redwings, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 235 Jackdaws, 200 Rooks, 34 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 40 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches and 30 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 22nd December
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| Little Egret (Top Lake) and Coot (Bottom Lake) |
The weather was lovely today with a nice few spells of sunshine and no wind. At long last we managed to record the first Coot of the year at the bottom lake, and the Little Egret remained at the top lake. Also the Water Rail was seen again at the bottom lake but once again all to briefly. Other sightings included 2 Teal heading west, 72 Mediterranean Gulls, 220 Common Gulls, 130 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven, 8 Redwings, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 430 Jackdaws, 210 Rooks, 2 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 34 Meadow Pipits, 8 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 40 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches and 30 Pied Wagtails.
The weather was pretty wet and miserable today with a few spells of fog, even so the Little Egret spent the morning at the top lake, but once again there was no sign of the Water Rail. sightings included 2 Teal at the bottom lake,110 Mediterranean Gulls, 360 Common Gulls, 330 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Ravens, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Fieldfare, 24 Redwings, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 590 Jackdaws, 178 Rooks, 2 Starlings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 26 Meadow Pipits, 10 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mallards, 83 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches and 80 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 20th December
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| Little Egret (Top Lake) |
Monday 19th December
Again It was a milder today but with some more heavy fog patches. There was no sign of the Water Rail today but there was a few fisherman around its favourite area. Today's sightings included 460 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading south/west alongside 370 Common Gulls and 400 Black-headed Gulls, also present was 1 Little Grebe at the bottom lake, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling, 133 Redwings, 5 Chaffinches, 23 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 5 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Common Buzzard, 380 Jackdaws, 6 Rooks, 30 Starlings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Mallards, 64 Goldfinches and 55 Pied Wagtails.
The weather was certainly milder but with some fog patches, the Water Rail was still present at the bottom lake, also another good movement of Mediterranean Gulls involving 300 birds, also 300 Common Gulls and 162 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling, 90 Redwings, 23 Chaffinches, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 415 Jackdaws, 10 Rooks, 36 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 25 Mallards, 42 Goldfinches and another good total of 71 Pied Wagtails.
It was a bit colder today but with a few spells of sunshine, best of the day was a Merlin which headed west over the bottom lake, the Water Rail was also still present there but again very elusive, also another good total of 325 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading west alongside 230 Common Gulls and 290 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 2 Little Grebes at the bottom lake, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling 44 Redwings, 9 Chaffinches, 19 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Buntings, 4 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 360 Jackdaws, 14 Rooks, 9 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 18 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 25 Mallards, 6 Goldfinches and a good total of 63 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 14th December
It was another very mild day with a few spells of sunshine, the Water Rail was still present at the bottom lake but very elusive, also another good total of 290 Mediterranean Gulls mainly heading west over the bottom lake alongside 110 Common Gulls and 77 Black-headed Gulls. Other sightings included 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Fieldfares, 29 Redwings, 1 Siskin, 1 Redpoll, 1 Common Crossbill, 9 Chaffinches, 26 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 212 Jackdaws, 34 Rooks, 19 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 18 Meadow Pipits, 11 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches and 25 Pied Wagtails.
Once again the weather was very mild although it started off with a few mist patches, there was a very good Total of Redwings today with a total of 1100 around the site, the Water Rail was also still present at the bottom lake Also noted was 312 Mediterranean Gulls, 210 Common Gulls, 5 Fieldfares, 7 Chaffinches, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 33 Jackdaws, 23 Rooks, 45 Starlings, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 30 Meadow Pipits, 15 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Goldfinches and 14 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 8th December
The weather again was very mild today although it started off with a few mist patches, bird wise it was pretty good with an excellent total of 600 Mediterranean Gulls which headed west over the bottom lake mid afternoon, the Water Rail was also still present at the bottom lake but elusive as ever. Also noted was 1 Snipe, 260 Common Gulls, 234 Redwings, 3 Fieldfares, 9 Chaffinches, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 25 Jackdaws, 67 Rooks, 32 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 31 Meadow Pipits, 13 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 23 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 6th December
The weather was very mild today although it started off with a few mist patches, bird wise it was pretty good with the Water Rail still present at the bottom lake but elusive as ever, also the Little Egret which passed overhead. Also noted was 48 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Snipe, 4 Common Gulls, 135 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 11 Chaffinches, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Common Buzzards, 33 Jackdaws, 23 Rooks, 45 Starlings, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 15 Meadow Pipits, 9 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Goldfinches and 14 Pied Wagtails.
Thursday 1st December
It was another good day on site with a nice variety of sightings, the bottom lake produced a Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Grebe and 3 Snipe. Other sightings 27 Common Gulls, 90 Redwings, 27 Fieldfares, 19 Chaffinches, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Blackbirds, 22 Song Thrushes, 9 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 62 Jackdaws, 34 Rooks, 9 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 33 Meadow Pipits, 15 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Goldfinches and 34 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 30th November
It was another sunny but very cold day but there was no sign of Yesterday's Black Bellied Dipper, but the bottom lake did produce a Little Egret which was a nice record for the site. Other sightings included 1 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 1 Crossbill, 1 Siskin, 10 Common Gulls, 160 Redwings, 14 Fieldfares, 20 Chaffinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 40 Blackbirds, 12 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 143 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 42 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Meadow Pipits, 10 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 34 Pied Wagtails.
Tuesday 29th November
It was another sunny but very cold day, but it did produce a most unexpected quality bird. Whilst working at the bottom lake this afternoon something with an white bib flew straight past me and landed on a board walk right opposite to where I was working, surely not!!, it was!! a BLACK BELLIED DIPPER I couldn't believe it as we was starring each other out about 20 feet away, I reached for the camera but as I moved the bird flew off and circled the lake, it was then seen to drop just the other side of the road towards Frogholt, amazing that's all I can say. It then returned very late afternoon calling and then seen dropping into roost. One unexpected bird not to forget in a hurry. Other sightings included 1 Water Rail, 10 Common Gulls, 260 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 10 Chaffinches, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 28 Blackbirds, 19 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 189 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 60 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Goldfinches and 29 Pied Wagtails.
Monday 28th November
Today was lovely but cold but there was certainly a nice selection of birds. Today's totals included 1 Water Rail, 1 Teal, 1 Snipe, 20 Mediterranean Gulls, 31 Common Gulls, 200 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 12 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 14 Blackbirds, 13 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 90 Jackdaws, 13 Rooks, 14 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Goldfinches and 21 Pied Wagtails.
Today was horrible with heavy showers on and off, but there was certainly a movement of birds taking place. Today's totals included 390 Mediterranean Gulls, 187 Common Gulls, 80 Black-headed Gulls, 390 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 160 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, another excellent movement of Blue Tits with at least 90 birds across the site, also 45 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 20 Blackbirds, 33 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 8 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 19 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 311 Jackdaws, 36 Rooks, 60 Starlings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 67 Meadow Pipits, 4 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches and 17 Pied Wagtails.
Friday 18th November
It started off rather cold today but soon warmed up leaving some nice sunny spells, bird wise it wasn't to bad with a total of 121 Mediterranean Gulls, 205 Common Gulls mainly heading south, 42 Black-headed Gulls , 6 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 145 Redwings, 9 Fieldfares, 40 Blackbirds, 16 Song Thrushes, 4 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 11 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 3 Ravens, 289 Jackdaws, 18 Rooks, 260 Starlings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 67 Meadow Pipits, 49 Chaffinches, 12 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Goldfinches and 42 Pied Wagtails.
Today was a rather wet and windy one, but there was a rather good bird on site with 3 Waxwings heading west over the main house during the afternoon. There was also another good total of Mediterranean Gulls involving 500 birds mainly heading south. Other sightings included 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 135 Common Gulls south, 42 Black-headed Gulls , 9 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 66 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 33 Blackbirds, 9 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 7 Coal Tits, 5 Bullfinches, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 217 Jackdaws, 18 Rooks, 170 Starlings, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 45 Meadow Pipits, 8 Chaffinches, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Goldfinches and 61 Pied Wagtails.
Wednesday 16th November
On a lovely mild day there was a few birds on the move, most of these were gulls including a total of 340 Mediterranean Gulls south, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 90 Common Gulls south, 60 Black-headed Gulls and 45 Herring Gulls. Other sightings were 10 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 89 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 23 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, 4 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinches, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 3 Ravens west, 116 Jackdaws, 11 Rooks, 46 Starlings, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 71 Meadow Pipits, 45 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches and 42 Pied Wagtails.
It was generally an overcast day but rather pleasant, totals today included 2 Crossbills, 40 Blue Tits, 1 Kingfisher 91 Mediterranean Gulls south, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 67 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares, 49 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ravens west, 100 Jackdaws, 22 Rooks, 125 Starlings, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 45 Chaffinches, 19 Goldfinches, 23 Pied Wagtails, 8 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Monday 14th November
It was a bit of a showery day but there was little in the way of wind, the main highlight was the total of Blue Tits with a total of 60 across the site. The Kingfisher once again put in a brief appearance this time at the bottom lake and there was another good count of Moorhens involving 24 birds. Other sightings included 18 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 30 Redwings, 26 Fieldfares, 40 Blackbirds, 16 Song Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Coal Tits, 3 Bullfinches, 16 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ravens west, 154 Jackdaws, 14 Rooks, 300 Starlings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 95 Chaffinches, 88 Goldfinches, 30 Pied Wagtails, 71 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
A rather pleasant day with sunny spells and barely any wind at all. The main highlight once again was 7 Common Crossbills which headed west, and a female Teal at the bottom lake. The Kingfisher put in a brief appearance this time at the top lake and there was a good total of Moorhens involving 22 birds. Other sightings included 124 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 89 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 16 Fieldfares, 27 Blackbirds, 29 Song Thrushes, 3 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 2 Yellowhammers, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 113 Jackdaws, 62 Rooks, 350 Starlings, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 85 Chaffinches, 125 Goldfinches, 17 Moorhens, 30 Pied Wagtails, 12 Common Gulls and 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 10th November
Today was certainly a cold one with heavy showers on and off. Highlight of the day was 4 Common Crossbills which headed west, and a good number of Redwings involving about 500 birds. Other sightings included 10 Fieldfares, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 80 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants west, 2 Chiffchaffs, 160 Chaffinches, 7 Siskins, 39 Pied Wagtails, 176 Rooks, 131 Jackdaws, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Pheasant, 14 Moorhens, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Yellowhammers, 32 Meadow Pipits, 31 Linnets, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 42 Common Gulls, and 2 Bullfinches.
Tuesday 8th November
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| Kingfisher (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 7th November
Today was a pretty miserable one with heavy showers and a biting wind, but still there was a few birds on show. The bottom lake produced 2 Teal, 25 Mediterranean Gulls west, 30 Common Gulls, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover west, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Lapwings south, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Yellowhammers and a Stonechat. Others noted on site were 2 Nuthatches, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 18 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 10 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Meadow Pipits, 1 Raven, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Goldcrests, 2 Kestrels, 120 Starlings, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 62 Jackdaws, 16 Rooks, 1 Pheasant, 10 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 11 Moorhens and 8 Long-tailed Tits.
Friday 4th November
It was a cold but sunny start to the morning, but heavy showers were soon to follow in the afternoon. Highlight of the day without doubt was a Siberian Chiffchaff which was first heard calling repeatedly, and then seen in a sycamore tree by the main house before it disappeared alongside the Long-tailed Tit flock, but in general it was a pretty good day with other sightings being 67 Mediterranean Gulls west, 1 Stonechat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 33 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 3 Fieldfares, 48 Blackbirds, 19 Song Thrushes, 3 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Nuthatches, 4 Treecreepers, 4 Yellowhammers, 5 Coal Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Bullfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 6 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens west, 75 Jackdaws, 19 Rooks, 150 Starlings, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 45 Chaffinches, 38 Goldfinches, 17 Moorhens, 16 Pied Wagtails, 3 Common Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 3rd November
A very similar day to Tuesday with the addition of 2 Ravens which headed west, and an increase of Mediterranean Gulls resulting in 65 birds heading south. Others noted were 3 Fieldfares, 42 Redwings (out of a total of 81), 7 Reed Buntings 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Nuthatches, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellowhammers, 10 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Bullfinches, 17 Pied Wagtails, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 88 Jackdaws, 42 Rooks, 14 Mallards, 62 Chaffinches and 130 Goldfinches.
Wednesday 2nd November
No coverage was possible today.
Tuesday 1st November
It wasn't a bad day in sunny and overcast conditions. A Kingfisher was at the top lake but elusive as usual, but there was a good number of Moorhens between the two lake with a top count of 22 birds, the bottom lake also produced a Brambling, 3 Fieldfares, 38 Redwings (out of a total of 61), 3 Reed Buntings and 3 Chiffchaffs. Other bits around the site were 3 Nuthatches, 6 Treecreepers, 1 Blackcap, 3 Yellowhammers, 15 Mediterranean Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Bullfinches, 10 Pied Wagtails, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 71 Jackdaws, 16 Rooks, 18 Mallards, 32 Chaffinches and 60 Goldfinches.
Monday 31st October
Today was similar to yesterday with a nice spell of sunshine and a slight easterly wind. The bottom lake was pretty good once again with 9 Tufted Ducks west, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Stonechats, 10 Goldcrests and 71 Redwings. Other sightings included 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Reed Buntings west, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Bramblings, 13 Fieldfares, 11 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 3 Yellowhammers, 5 Bullfinches, 47 Chaffinches, 82 Goldfinches, 41 Meadow Pipits, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 460 Starlings, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 12 Pied Wagtails, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorants, 6 Coal Tits, 6 Treecreepers, 22 Common Gulls and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Friday 28th October
Today was a lot better with a nice spell of sunshine and a slight easterly wind. The bottom lake was pretty good with 5 Shoveler, 11 Tufted Ducks, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Stonechats, 6 Goldcrests and 31 Redwings. Other sightings included 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Reed Buntings west, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Bramblings, 3 Fieldfares, 17 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Bullfinches, 31 Chaffinches, 29 Goldfinches, 32 Meadow Pipits, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 340 Starlings, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 10 Pied Wagtails, 16 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants, 4 Coal Tits, 18 Common Gulls and 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Thursday 27th October
It was another pretty miserable morning with heavy fog patches, but the 4 Stonechats remained at the bottom lake which was good, and another slight movement of thrushes took place with 190 Redwings, 32 Song Thrushes, 19 Mistle Thrushes, 51 Blackbirds and another Ring Ouzel. Other sightings included a Kingfisher at the bottom lake and a Little Owl was seen again in the walled garden. Other sightings included 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 alba Wagtails west, 21 Pied Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Common Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Redpolls, 16 Siskins, 3 Cormorants west, 1 Grey Heron west, 90 Rooks, 156 Jackdaws, 1 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreepers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 12 Moorhens.
Wednesday 26th October
It was a pretty miserable morning weather wise with heavy cloud and one or two fog patches however, there was 4 Stonechats at the bottom lake which cheered things up a bit and another slight movement of thrushes mainly heading south with 250 Redwings, 54 Song Thrushes, 10 Mistle Thrushes, 30 Blackbirds and 1 Ring Ouzel. A Kingfisher was at the top lake and a Little Owl was briefly seen in the walled garden. Other sightings included 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 alba Wagtails west, 21 Pied Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 8 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Redpolls, 8 Siskins, 2 Cormorants west, 1 Grey Heron west, 52 Rooks, 90 Jackdaws, 1 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreepers, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 15 Moorhens.
Tuesday 25th October
Today was certainly a different contrast to yesterday, a lot busier and a good movement of birds. Totals for the day included 330 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 11 Reed Buntings south, 80 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 7 Bullfinches south, 128 Chaffinches, 100 Goldfinches, 600 Starlings mainly heading south, 4 Stonechats, 8 Grey Wagtails, 44 alba Wagtails south, 49 Song Thrushes, 60 Blackbirds, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Common Buzzards, 10 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Cormorants west, 3 Nuthatches, 7 Treecreepers, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens south, 178 Jackdaws, 61 Rooks, 1 Grey Heron and 7 Coal Tits.
Monday 24th October
It was one of those fairly quiet October days there was no movement of any kind and fairly quiet on land. Birds noted was 1 Stonechat, 10 Siskins, 2 Redpolls, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Redwings, 21 Chaffinches, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreepers, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Cormorant west, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Linnets, 10 Moorhens, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 11 Pied Wagtails, 22 Goldfinches, 80 Jackdaws, 37 Rooks, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 4 Coal Tits.
Friday 21st October
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| Kestrel (Pasture Field) |
It was another lovely sunny October morning and once again there was a good selection of birds around. 3 Ring Ouzels were now present at the bottom lake which also produced the Great Crested Grebe and the Tufted Duck, a few Redwings were moving through once again this time with a count of 470, also 6 Fieldfares, 16 Song Thrushes, 2 Bramblings, 8 Reed Buntings, 128 Siskins, 450 Starlings, 61 Chaffinches, 30 Linnets and 129 Goldfinches. Others noted on site were 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests, 4 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 14 Moorhens, 1 Grey Heron, 29 Meadow Pipits, 2 Cormorants west, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 57 Rooks, 240 Jackdaws, 8 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 alba Wagtails west, 30 Pied Wagtails, 7 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Nuthatches.
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| Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 19th October
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| Stonechats (1 of 4 Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 18th October
Bird of the day without doubt was a Red Kite which headed east at 14:00, but in general it was good on site with a few bits on the move, and included; 190 Siskins, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 250 Starlings, 33 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 90 Goldfinches, 31 Song Thrushes, 11 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Reed Buntings, 120 Meadow Pipits, 10 House Martins, 3 Swallows, 31 Common Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake, and a rather elusive Kingfisher was at the top lake. Other sightings included 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Bullfinches, 2 Nuthatches, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels,1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Yellowhammers, 82 Rooks, 2 Ravens, 256 Jackdaws, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Coal Tits, 2 Pheasants, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 13 alba Wagtails west and 18 Moorhens.
Monday 17th October
It was fairly quiet on a sunny and overcast day, a Ring Ouzel and Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake, with a Raven and Mediterranean Gull heading west over the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Bullfinches, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Nuthatches, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 22 Redwings, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 21 Goldfinches, 18 Linnets, 11 Meadow Pipits, 17 alba Wagtails west, 2 Yellowhammers, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Pied Wagtails, 16 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Wagtails, 157 Jackdaws, 61 Rooks, 10 Moorhens and 6 Goldcrests.
Friday 14th October
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| Fieldfare (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 13th October
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| Grey Wagtail (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 12th October
It was a day of sunshine and showers, the bottom lake was busy today with a total of 10 Ring Ouzels which headed south, also 10 Chiffchaffs, 34 Swallows, 62 House Martins, 3 Blackcaps, a late Willow Warbler, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Brambling, 43 Redwings, 10 Goldcrests and the Great Crested Grebe. Other sightings included 1 Little Owl, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 6 Siskins, 6 Treecreepers, 1 Kingfisher, 18 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 2 Nuthatches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Goldfinches, 36 Meadow Pipits, 61 Jackdaws, 90 Rooks, 18 Linnets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 9 Pied Wagtails, 11 Chaffinches, 1 Yellowhammer and 15 Moorhens.
Tuesday 11th October
On a more slightly overcast day there was a few thrushes on the move, these included 120 Redwings, 45 Fieldfares, 24 Mistle Thrushes and 55 Song Thrushes, 2 Ring Ouzels were at the bottom lake which also produced (18) of the 22 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps. Other sightings were 67 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Owl, 1 Tawny Owl (Calling at the top lake), 6 Grey Wagtails, 1 Brambling, 33 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 13 Siskins, 23 alba Wagtails, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 16 Goldcrests, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Bullfinches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 103 Jackdaws, 52 Rooks, 1 Raven, 36 Linnets, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Skylarks, 14 Pied Wagtails and 17 Chaffinches.
Monday 10th October
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| Rook (Pasture Field) |
Friday 7th October
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| Pheasant (Pasture Field) |
Thursday 6th October
It was another overcast day and a slight south easterly wind, very good for birds this time of year and that proved so with a movement of 400 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 29 Song Thrushes, 50 Blackbirds, 70 Meadow Pipits, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 42 Swallows. The Great Crested Grebe remained in the same location and there was a good number of Treecreepers on site with at least 15 birds present. Others noted were 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Ravens, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bullfinches, 2 Nuthatches, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Coal Tits, 150 Goldfinches, 30 Chaffinches, 30 Linnets, 28 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Kingfisher, 300 Jackdaws, 92 Rooks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels and 10 Moorhens.
Wednesday 5th October
There was a bit more cloud cover today and there was a few birds on the move and included 46 Redwings, 5 Fieldfares, 60 Chaffinches, 2 Common Crossbills, 61 Meadow Pipits, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 35 alba Wagtails, 26 Swallows and 45 House Martins. The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake still and 3 Ravens that headed west. Other sightings included 13 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 16 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Ravens, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Treecreepers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 145 Rooks, 180 Jackdaws, 90 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Goldcrests, 29 Linnets, 3 Grey Wagtails, 12 Mistle Thrushes and 9 Moorhens.
Tuesday 4th October
The Great Crested Grebe remained at the bottom lake enjoying the lovely sunny weather that we are currently having. There was a slight movement of Redwings today with 60 birds heading west, also 2 Bramblings and 1 Fieldfare. Others noted were 25 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 22 Swallows, 19 House Martins, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Ravens, 7 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels, 1 Bullfinch, 7 Treecreepers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 80 Rooks, 132 Jackdaws, 56 Goldfinches, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Goldcrests, 19 Linnets, 6 Grey Wagtails, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 50 Meadow Pipits and 7 Moorhens.
Monday 3rd October
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| Great Crested Grebe (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 30th September
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| Peregrine (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 29th September
It was a miserable day with heavy showers on and off, but saying that the bird life was pretty good. A Ring Ouzel headed west over the bottom lake, and a Firecrest was seen by the main house, there was also a movement of 1,500 Swallows, 25 Sand Martins and 150 House Martins. Other sightings included 9 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Raven, 70 Mediterranean Gulls, 33 Goldfinches, 16 Chaffinches, 8 Treecreepers, 4 Nuthatches, 10 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 56 Rooks, 151 Jackdaws, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 22 Linnets and 10 Moorhens.
Wednesday 28th September
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| Pied Wagtail (Pasture Field) |
Tuesday 27th September
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| Mediterranean Gull (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 26th September
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| Blackcap (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 23rd September
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| Yellow Wagtail (Pasture Field) |
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| Stonechat (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 21st September
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| Whinchat (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 20th September
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| Robin (Pasture Field) |
Monday 19th September
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| Green Woodpecker (Pasture Field) |
Friday 16th September
The morning started off very overcast with light drizzle then the heavy rain arrived for the rest of the day, bird wise it was pretty good with 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs and 9 Blackcaps at the bottom lake, followed with 3 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat and 3 Yellow Wagtails in the nearby pasture field. Other sightings included 21 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Common Crossbill, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 8 Meadow Pipits, 2 Bullfinches, 10 Linnets, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Pheasants, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 36 Jackdaws, 51 Rooks, 1 Kingfisher and 11 Moorhens.
Thursday 15th September
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| Wheatear (Pasture Field) |
Wednesday 14th September
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| Kingfisher (Distant Photo Shot Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 13th September
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| Goldcrest (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 12th September
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| Raven (Pasture Field) |
Friday 9th September
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| Blackcap (Bottom Lake) |
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| Whinchat (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 7th September
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| Hobby (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 6th September
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| Sedge Warbler (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 5th September
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| Grey Wagtail (Top Lake) |
Friday 2nd September
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| Wheatear (Pasture Field) |
Thursday 1st September
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| Hobby (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 31st August
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| Whinchat (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 30th August
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| Juvenile Green Woodpecker (Pasture Field) |
Friday 26th August
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| Long-tailed Tit (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 25th August
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| Common Buzzard (Pasture Field) |
Wednesday 24th August
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| Garden Warbler (Distant photo Bottom Lake) |
Monday 22nd August
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| Swallow (Pasture Field) |
Friday 19th August
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| Kingfisher (Top Lake) |
Thursday 18th August
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| Willow Warbler (Pasture Field) |
Wednesday 17th August
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| (Change of picture today) Instead one of a Giant Wood Wasp found on site. |
Tuesday 16th August
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| Swallows (Pasture Field) |
Monday 15th August
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| Spotted Flycatcher and Young (Horse Stables) |
Friday 12th August
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| Willow Warbler (Horse Stables) |
Thursday 11th August
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| Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher (Horse Stables) |
Wednesday 10th August
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| Nuthatch (Top Lake) |
Tuesday 9th August
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| Rooks and Jackdaws (Over Bottom Lake) |
Monday 8th August
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| Wood Pigeon (Main House) |
Friday 5th August
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| Swifts (Pasture Field) |
Thursday 4th August
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| Mallards (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 3rd August
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| Jackdaws (Pasture Field) |
Tuesday 2nd August
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| 3 Green Woodpeckers (Top Lake) |
Monday 1st August
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| Meadow Pipit (Pasture Field) |
Friday 29th July
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| Red Kite (1 of 3 over the Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 28th July
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| Reed Warbler (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 27th July
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| Juvenile Whitethroat (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 26th July
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| Juvenile Wheatear (Pasture Field) |
Monday 25th July
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| Wren (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 22nd July
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| Common Buzzard (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 21st July
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| Whitethroat (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 20th July
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| Swallows (Pasture Field) |
Monday 18th July
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| Mediterranean Gull (1 of 13 today over the Pasture Field) |
Friday 15th July
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| 3 Green Woodpeckers (Top Lake) |
Thursday 14th July
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| Stock Dove (Pasture Field) |
Wednesday 13th July
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| Juvenile Common Buzzards |
Tuesday 12th July
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| Cormorant (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 11th July
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| Dunnock (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 8th July
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| Juvenile Blue Tit (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 7th July
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| Distant record shot of Kingfisher (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 6th July
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| Chiffchaff (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 5th July
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| Juvenile Swallows (Horse Stables) |
Monday 4th July
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| Juvenile Mallard (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 1st July
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| Cormorant (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 30th June
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| Tawny Owl (Walled Garden) |
Wednesday 29th June
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| Male Cuckoo (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 28th June
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| Juvenile Meadow Pipit (Pasture Field) |
Monday 27th June
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| Common Buzzard (Top Lake) |
Friday 24th June
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| Female Mallard and Young (Bottom Lake) |
Thursday 23rd June
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| Juvenile Moorhen (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 22nd June
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| Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Pasture Field) |
Tuesday 21st June
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| Chaffinch (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 20th June
Until late afternoon when the sun eventually emerged this morning was awful with constant heavy rain and a strong westerly wind. Today had a bit of coverage but it was pretty difficult. Sightings included 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellowhammers, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 17 Swallows, 1 Swift, 2 House Martins, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Mallards, 17 Jackdaws, 20 Rooks, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Friday 17th June
A mixed day of sunshine and heavy showers resulted in a difficult morning, still there was a few bits to enjoy including 3 Bullfinches at the top lake, and a Hobby which headed west. Other bits noted were 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Mallards, 6 Blackcaps, 10 Swifts, 20 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Chaffinches, 4 Goldfinches, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Pheasant, 45 Jackdaws, 17 Rooks, 1 Meadow Pipit and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Thursday 16th June
A beautiful sunny day resulted in a nice total of 12 Common Buzzards which were soaring over the pasture fields, the 2 Tufted Ducks reappeared at the bottom lake and a male Bullfinch was briefly noted in the walled garden. Other sightings included 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Swifts, 16 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 37 Jackdaws, 33 Rooks, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 2 Starlings.
Wednesday 15th June
There was a few nice bits on site today with a Hobby over the pasture fields chasing Swallows, and 2 Bullfinches which headed over the walled garden. A Tawny owl was also briefly seen by the top lake. Others noted were 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, 6 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 1 Meadow Pipit, 23 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 6 Swifts, 1 Grey Heron, 23 Rooks, 42 Jackdaws, 1 Pheasant and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Tuesday 14th June
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| Blackbird (Woodland Area) |
Monday 13th June
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| Spotted Flycatcher (Top Lake) |
Friday 10th June
The weather was overcast with a couple of showers throughout the day, bird wise it wasn't to bad in a brisk westerly wind. Sightings included 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine west, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Goldcrests, 14 Chaffinches, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 31 Swallows, 5 Swifts, 16 House Martins, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Buntings, 40 Jackdaws, 36 Rooks, 6 Linnets, 6 Moorhens, 7 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron west, 2 Meadow Pipits, 11 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Thursday 9th June
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| Baby Blue Tit just about to leave the nest (Top Lake) |
Wednesday 8th June
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| Tufted Ducks (Bottom Lake) |
Tuesday 7th June
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| Moorhen (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 6th June
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| Mallard and Ducklings (On swimming pool by the House and Garden Area) |
Friday 3rd June
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| Yellowhammer (Pasture Field) |
Thursday 2nd June
Today was miserable with light to heavy rain and a strong north westerly wind which in turn was difficult for any type of bird recording. Species noted were 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammers, 16 Chaffinches, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Treecreepers, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Moorhens (including 3 young at the bottom lake) 33 Swallows, a very good count of 70 House Martins, 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 40 Jackdaws 6 Rooks and 1 Jay (with the latter being a bit of a site rarity these days).
Wednesday 1st June
The first day of the month was a bit disappointing with a blustery north westerly wind which isn't the best of conditions for any migrant birds, so it was pretty much down to the locals to steal the show. A visit to the bottom lake produced 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps (6 in total), 2 Moorhens and 3 Long-tailed Tits. It was certainly hard work, but other species that were seen included 4 Treecreepers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellowhammers, 33 Swallows, 9 House Martins, 1 Pheasant, 3 Pied Wagtails, 55 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Goldfinches, 9 Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrows, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Tuesday 31st May
It was a horrible day on site with heavy showers on and off, and a moderate to strong easterly wind. Not surprisingly this in turn did have a big affect on the bird sightings and it was pretty hard work. Birds seen today included 1 Raven (west), 1 Coal Tit, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Blackcaps, 34 Swallows, 3 Treecreepers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants, 6 Linnets, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Goldfinches, 9 Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrows, 1 Tawny Owl (calling again at the top lake), 25 Jackdaws and 2 Rooks.
Friday 27th May
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Coal Tit (Top Lake)
The weather was lovely today with glorious sunshine and a very light south westerly wind. we spent another few hours at the bottom lake strimming around the overgrown areas and a bit of general clearance work, but alongside this was the sightings of the day and these included a very obliging Coal Tit which was collecting insects for his young, and another nice record of a Hobby which shot through the site at some speed. House Martins were seen again in quite good numbers with 52 mainly around the bottom lake area, also a count of 31 Swallows and 4 Swifts. But probably the best highlight of today due to its massive national decline in recent years was 3 Bullfinches which headed over the walled garden and beyond late in the afternoon. Others noted included 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 9 Common Buzzards, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant (east), 1 Kestrel, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Tawny Owl (calling at the top lake), 10 Goldfinches, 17 Chaffinches, 5 Moorhens, 39 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Skylark and 2 House Sparrows.
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| Swallows (Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 25th May
Today was sunny and overcast with a slight southerly wind, along with the sightings we had another good conservation day where we was strimming and clearing up around the bottom lake area. Birds noted were 2 Whitethroats, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Treecreepers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 25 Swallows, 31 House Martins, 3 Swifts, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant (west), 1 Coal Tit, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Linnets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 House Sparrows, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 30 Jackdaws, 3 Rooks, 2 Pheasants, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Mallards and 4 Moorhens.
Tuesday 24th May
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| Common Buzzard (Pasture Field) |
Monday 23rd May
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| RED RUMPED SWALLOW (Top Lake) |
Friday 20th May
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| Mistle Thrush (Pasture Field) |
Thursday 19th May
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| Pied Wagtail (Pasture Field) |
Wednesday 18th May
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| Treecreeper (Walled Garden) |
Tuesday 17th May
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| Mallard (Bottom Lake) |
Monday 16th May
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| Reed Bunting (Bottom Lake) |
Friday 13th May
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| Goldfinch (Walled Garden) |
Thursday 12th May
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| Red Kite (distant shot over the Bottom Lake) |
Wednesday 11th May
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| Common Buzzard (Pasture Field) |
Tuesday 10th May
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| Jackdaw (Pasture Fields) |
Monday 9th May
There was another year tick for the site with a Common Sandpiper down the bottom lake. It was another glorious hot and sunny day and certainly the Common Buzzards were enjoying the weather with 6 birds circling over the site, once again the 2 Ravens put in an appearance over the pasture fields, and there was a slight increase in Reed Warblers with 4 birds now present. The bottom lake also produced a Kingfisher but unfortunately it disappeared all to quickly. Other species noted were 2 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Treecreeper, 15 Swallows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Meadow Pipits, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 23 Jackdaws, 2 Pheasants, 1 Goldcrest, 15 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Linnets, 5 Mallards and just a single Moorhen.
Friday 6th May
It was another glorious sunny day which in turn produced another 2 spring migrants for the year with 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Garden Warbler by the bottom lake, for the 3rd day running the 2 Ravens were seen over the pasture fields along with a very good total of 13 Common Buzzards with 12 birds seen together. Other species seen were 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Kestrels, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Bullfinch, 15 Swallows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Pheasant, 30 Jackdaws, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 15 Blue Tits and 2 Goldcrests.
Thursday 5th May
It was another beautiful sunny day which produced a new spring migrant. A Tree Pipit was by the top lake, and for the second day running the highlight was 2 Ravens which were seen together over the pasture fields. The Common Buzzards are certainly putting on a good show with 9 birds present on site, along with this was 3 Kestrels and a Little Owl posing in the sunshine. Other highlights were 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Nuthatch, 10 Swallows, 7 Goldfinches, 4 Linnets, 1 Pheasant, 48 Jackdaws and 10 Chaffinches.
Wednesday 4th May
Star bird of the day was 2 Ravens which spent 10 minutes over the pasture fields to the annoyance of 2 Common Buzzards before eventually being pushed of west. It was another good day with 48 different species seen and a few more numbers of migrants starting to trickle through. A visit to both lakes was quite productive with 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants and a Nuthatch. Other bits around the site included 10 Common Buzzards, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Little Owl, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Skylark, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Jackdaws, 9 Rooks, 4 Pheasants, 25 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 10 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 5 Moorhens and 2 Linnets.
Tuesday 3rd May
A beautiful sunny day resulted in an excellent site total of 48 different species, one of the highlights was a male Bullfinch which was down the bottom lake, which also produced a Nuthatch, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Siskins, 2 Grey Wagtails and 4 Common Buzzards, but overall it was pretty good almost everywhere with the other highlights being 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 20 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Buntings, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Yellowhammer, 25 Jackdaws, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Cormorant, 2 House Sparrows, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 3 Pheasants. Another pleasant sound was late last night with 4 Tawny Owls calling near the old stables.
Friday 29th April
The first Swift of the year was seen today, and a slight increase in Swallows with 30 present around the site, the bottom lake area was pretty lively this morning with 4 Whitethroats, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 6 Blackcaps (12 in total), 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Reed Warbler and 4 Long-tailed Tits. A Little Owl was feeding in the pasture field near the main house which also produced a good number of 33 Jackdaws (54 in total), 6 Common Buzzards north and a Kestrel. Other bits seen were 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pheasant, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 10 Rooks, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Nuthatch, 4 House Sparrows and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Late last night/early hours of the morning at least 4 Tawny Owls were heard calling with a bird briefly being seen.
Thursday 28th April
There was a few good birds around today including a nice little total of 10 Common Buzzards which were seen over the pasture fields, an arrival of Blackcaps took place overnight with at least 16 birds present around the site, there was also 1 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Reed Buntings, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 25 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Pied Wagtails, 16 Goldfinches, 4 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Wednesday 27th April
There was a good number of different species noted today which included the first Lesser Whitethroat for the year, and an increase of Common Buzzards with 5 heading north and a single bird spending most of its time around the pasture land. Other sightings included 7 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 House Martins, 20 Swallows, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, 2 Coal Tits, 10 Chaffinches, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Treecreepers, 30 Jackdaws, 7 Goldfinches and a family brood of 5 Mallards. The first Common Lizard was also seen along with a Wood Mouse.
Tuesday 26th April
Highlight of the day was a Raven which headed west during the morning, and 3 Common Buzzards which were seen over the bottom lake. Other bits included the first Yellow Wagtail of the year, also 5 House Martins, 20 Swallows, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 1 Yellowhammer, 20 Jackdaws, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 10 Chaffinches.
Monday 25th April
There was a few migrants on show today with singles of Willow Warbler, Sand Martin, Whitethroat and Reed Warbler, the site also produced 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 2 House Martins, 20 Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Chaffinches, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard and 10 Goldfinches.
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