The Sunflower field was still full of flowers
We went first to the Reedbed Hide where we watched a Little Grebe successfully fishing right in front of the hide. There were Great Crested Grebes, Swans, Gadwall, Coot ,Heron, Moorhen, there had been a Spotted Crake seen from here over the past couple of days but we didn't see any sign.
By the Bittern hide we saw lots of these blue Beetles devouring the plants
*Edit* Alder Leaf Beetles - thank you!
A Kingfisher flew across the path in front of us at one point but we couldn't see where it had gone. We saw a rabbit on the bank of the Mere and watched Canada Geese and a lone Common Gull. There were lots of Lapwings, which often flew up in a panic as they seem to do. We managed to pick out a couple of Golden Plovers in with them at one point though there was a large flock of Plovers there we only saw them flying off in the distance.
Lapwings & a Golden Plover
Through the viewing screen onto the apple trees we saw a Robin and a female Blackcap. From the hides we saw Spotted Redshank, a Dunlin, Greenshank, Teal, Chiffchaff, Shelduck and Pied Wagtail. Possibly 3 Black-tailed Godwits too but they were a bit distant for me to be sure.
We took a look at the Tree Sparrow Farm, where we accidentally spooked a Pheasant, a Squirrel was trying to bypass the Squirrel proof feeders and the odd Great Tit and Goldfinch were in the trees.
A good morning and three new birds for the year too.
Not Blue Mint Beetle- bit of a clue as they're not feeding on a plant in the mint family! They are Alder Leaf Beetles, Agelastica alni. It's interesting because they weren't seen for some years +have re-established in places again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know, I should have thought about the plants!! They were certainly well established here, i've never seen so many beetles in one place.
DeleteSo many lovely birds to spot and wonderful signs of Autumn too. I imagine the squirrels will find a way into those feeders eventually:)
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty clever!
DeleteHi Pam another great look at your natural world! Glad you got 3 new birds for your efforts, I did nada birding this summer, it just wasn't in the cards this yr...so it's with pleasure that I get to see what you found via the blog! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sondra, i'm glad you're able to check in, hopefully you'll be able to get out again yourself soon.
DeleteGreat post Pam and you got to see plenty of birds, have been looking out for the Golden Plovers coming back to the fields at Eccup, I will let you know. Not sure if I heard Redwings flying over the other night too. The beetles look fascinating, surprised they are still about.
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Yes do, I haven't been back to Eccup in a while. I saw a large flock of Thrushes on a walk on Sunday and was scouring them for Redwings/Fieldfares though it's maybe a bit early? They were all Mistle! There were a lot of the Beetles and not many leaves left! x
DeleteI like Old Moor :) I always see lots of alder beetles there too. You saw a good variety of species, as always.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen so many at once before! It's a good reserve, always something to see :)
DeleteA lovely trip out and well done on 3 new bird species for the year :) Lovely to see the autumnal photos - getting chillier here too - the jumpers have come out of hibernation :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Caroline, I love Autumn, it always makes for good photos! I must admit I added an extra layer too this past week.
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