The Osprey was last seen on 22nd October when it briefly circled over the lake before drifting to the north.

Enjoying a small bream

Not much else has changed on the patch with all the usual subjects being seen although seven Swallows were present on the 22nd.

Last weekend we went up to Norfolk to visit younger bruv and do some walking and birding.We visited a few reserves and did a bit of sea watching.

I took a few photos of a cracking Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen:-

Jack Snipe-a little stunner

but always a little hidden!

    On the fen we also had some great views of  a Bittern which repeatedly flew between reed beds plus a Stonechat on one of the pathways,

My first Fieldfare of the autumn were seen this evening when I went down to fill the feeders.

It was a really good walk on the patch this morning with lots of birds about, in fact a total of 48 species were seen.
Amazingly the Osprey is still present on the lake attracting lots of birders.

                                                    Still on the lake and feeding well.

Redwings have not arrived in any great numbers but a few have been seen.

The feeders are attracting loads of tits including up to three Marsh Tits.A few Siskins have been seen and today four Lesser Redpolls were in the lakeside alders.

Marsh tit at the feeders

Probably my last House Martins of the year went over south on the 10th and two Chiffchaffs were with the tit flocks around the lake.

There seemed to have been a fall of  Song Thrushes with small parties passing overhead this morning.

Apart from the Osprey other raptors included Buzzard and a male Sparrowhawk that looks to have found the feeders!!

During a walk this afternoon was saw five butterfly species including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and my first Clouded Yellow on the patch this year.

                                                             Todays Clouded Yellow

Another week has gone by and the Osprey remains on the lake, which has meant that plenty of birders are visiting.
At the weekend the feeders attracted lots of tits with three Marsh Tits being the high-lite.
On Saturday flyovers included Skylark, the first Lesser Redpoll and three Snipe.
A dozen House Martin and three Swallows passed through going southeast.
On Sunday a Stonechat was in the rough pasture behind Kirkins Farmhouse.

                                                    Sundays Stonechat- always distant!

At last the sun was shining

and the Osprey fed

Tonight was dull and drizzly but it continues to feed well and I also saw my first Redwings of the autumn.