Rain, Rain Go Away!

With the wind having backed once again into the northern quarter, this morning was a full jacket cooler, and by the looks of the threatening sky there was a good chance of rain. With this and the autumnal feel to the day, it was thought best to get any 'birding' done sooner rather than later!

Nothing of note was recorded in the cemetery, but at Radipole the sky was 'alive' with hundreds of Swifts while Bearded Tit seemed to be 'pinging' from two or three of the reed-beds, and a Goldcrest sang from among the trees on Radipole Park Drive. The walk to Lodmoor was lent a little colour by the remains of what had been the Children's Pavement Artist annual event, and although many had suffered as a result of the overnight rain there had obviously been a good turn-out.

Caution, Pavement Artist's at work!

At the moor, and with reference to Daragh's report from there yesterday, it seemed there had been some overnight increases in numbers, the only exception being Dunlin of which I could only locate c2 while he had c4.

Lapwing numbers had increased by 3 to a count of 4 today,

while this most obliging Greenfinch was crying out for a photie.

Bath time at the view point as these 2 Oystercatchers took over from the retiring Shoveler before the water got cold. It was interesting to note the increase in size of the c2 juvenile Oystercatchers at the Hump now at least 2/3rds that of the parent birds.

and at the same bathing spot this Cormorant decided to spend a little time drying out.

In addition to those already mentioned, it was good to hear so many Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers singing today at both reserves, after something of a 'quiet period' last week. c2 Lesser Whitethroat were also in good voice, the Teal count was half a dozen, all 3 usual Hirundines were represented (Swallow plus House & Sand Martin) while the female Marsh Harrier landed on the moor briefly before continuing the hunt. However, there was no sign (for me at least) of either the Little Stint of yesterday or the Arctic Tern.

a further look at a couple of Colombian birds.

Pinnated Bittern
Pale-breasted Chat-Tyrant

Pale-naped Brush-Finch

and finally I feel sure Paul Harris will have no objection to my publishing this most interesting photograph he took at the Eden Project, in Cornwall, at the week-end.

A small exhibit showing Darwin's Moth which, when describing the Madagascar Orchid to science, he predicted the existence of a moth with an 11 inch tongue. At the time this was scoffed at by the authorities but, unfortunately after his death, this was proved to be a fact.