Bramblings

15 November - an afternoon visit to Witcombe beechwoods in sunny weather gave views of approx 10 Bramblings with Chaffinches in a mixed flock. Surprisingly elusive high up in the trees, rather than feeding on the beech mast, and fairly flighty. Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Jay, Coal Tit and Buzzard also seen.

Lesser Scaup

10 November - a morning visit to Woolhampton in Berkshire gave good views of the drake Lesser Scaup, diving actively with a flock of Tufted Ducks. Black bill nail, finely barred grey back and slightly peaked head all diagnostic. Earlier, the Bearded Tit heard but not seen Farmoor in windy conditions.

Cotswold Water Park - raptors

1 November - a late afternoon visit to pit 68d at Waterhay produced a Peregrine with prey flying over at 4.15, a female judging from the bird's large size - then at 4.30 a ringtail Hen Harrier(photo)flew in and around low over the reeds, and presumably roosted in the reedbed. A welcome return from the one seen a couple of winters ago. Also Cetti's Warblers heard, and a Water Rail seen briefly and 2 others heard. A wonderful red sunset reflected in the water amongst the vegetation.

Port Meadow, Oxford

3 November - another mild sunny day. A morning visit to Port Meadow, Oxford - the Spotted Redshank (photo)seen well on the floods, longer bill and legs than Redshank, overall a slightly larger bird. Also 3 Ruff and at least 30 Snipe, and close views of c250 Golden Plover(photo).

White-rumped Sandpiper at Kenfig

1 November - a visit to Kenfig Pool in Glamorgan gave good views of the White-rumped Sandpiper that has been present for a few days. Attenuated shape with long primary projection, supercilium, breast streaking, shortish black legs. Confiding but quite inconspicuous on the muddy shoreline, and for a change within the range of the Canon 350D with 400mm lens and 1.4x converter.