Morning and Evening

14 Nov - Admin work sandwich by 2 walks - first, Waterhay early morning, a lovely autumn start with The usual birds seen and calling, including Cetti's Warbler, Water Rail and Raven. Winter Thrushes also arriving. Late afternoon, a trip to Cow Down did not produce the Great Grey Shrike, but 17 Grey Partridges was the most I have seen for a while - 5 Red Kites roosted at the gallops where at least 2 Short-eared Owls were active well before dark, and gave good views through the scope, though not quite close enough for anything other than a record shot. I never tire of seeing these charismatic birds, and it potentially seems to be a good winter for them, with high numbers at some traditional sites. Photos JM.

A Thrush and a Kite..........

11 Nov - A territorial Mistle Thrush has taken a liking to the garden berry tree, but is very wary. Also, a flyover garden Red Kite.....I wonder how many I miss while at work?

Rough-legged Buzzard.......

9 Nov - Very good views - eventually - of the Hertfordshire juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard. Seen perched, with its strikingly contrasting plumage, then in flight, and late morning soaring giving a good display. Longer-winged than Common Buzzard, more eagle-like, with obvious white rump and chestnut belly patch. There has been a large influx from Scandinavia this autumn, and hopefully a few obliging birds will settle down for the winter. Photos JM.

Franklin's Gull at Blashford......

7 Nov - I arrived at Ibsley Water, Blashford, at 4.10pm and the gull roost was already gathering, with the hide full of birders. After scanning the arriving flocks on the water, the Franklin's Gull was picked up about 4.35pm towards the back of the flock - very distinctive with its dark mantle, black hood, and white forehead and eye crescents. A medium-sized American Gull, very rare in the UK and only the 2nd Hampshire record. Watched until near dark at 5pm. Also seen, 2 Little Egrets in flight over the A338. Franklin's photo courtesy of Blashford blog.

Berries......

7 Nov - A very wary Mistle Thrush around the garden early morning, along with a couple of Blackbirds, I guess my berries will be gone in a few days......

First frost of the season..........

6 Nov - A frosty clear early morning, -2, first of the autumn......and a productive drive to Warwickshire in the sun.....2 sparring Peregrines, a Raven and a Red Kite being the highlights.

Barred Warbler in Glos.........

1 Nov - The first Barred warbler in Glos in living memory (well, since 1979.....) was seen briefly at Frampton yesterday, and still present this morning. After a bit of a wait, I had good views of it feeding in the sun, a large, pale warbler (juv) with a beady eye. Also seen - 2 Stonechats, a Sparrowhawk (which fortunately left the BW alone) and Lapwing and Curlew on the estuary.

Winter must be nearly here, the Blue and Great Tits in the garden seem to be waiting for the feeders to reappear......