Many Happy Returns

 With a little more leeway as far as the inclement weather was concerned our intent for the day remained undampened as we kicked off with another search for yesterday's Red-legged Partridge, but without success. However, that was quickly countered by a close look at the

ORNIMENTALS
to find them, as is usual at this time of year,

laden with ripe fruits a major food-source for returning northern thrushes
Redwing and Fieldfare.

Back at the Moth Traps something of a surprise with a tardy

BLOOD-VEIN 

making something of an unexpected 'return' as usually finished by the end of September.

Additionally, our 5th
RADFORD'S FLAME SHOULDER

of the year, which as a 'suspected migrant' keeps its own council as to when it might show up?

Additionally, what we keep saying might be our last
HORNET
With the best chance of finding other returning Birds we headed for the

Sewerage Works
where once again the were little more than

BLACK-HEADED GULLs 

but further on a sight that we certainly not anticipating or wanted

yet another escape of 2 of the

Rare Breed Cattle
namely

BELTED GALLOWAYs

Another recent absentee has been the humble

LINNET
with these likely the harbingers of the Winter population?
With no more than a smattering of recent sightings across Dorset and surrounding Counties, and returns reported at Eyeworth Pond, Hampshire there was always a chance of a hopeful

MANDARIN

on our patch, where they once bred some 6 years ago on the

MOORS RIVER
where we located the 'bird of the day'!
While finally, the presumed breeding pair of

KESTRELs
(female)

(male)
have returned to the nest site in the stables now hopefully doubling as a Winter roost?