Two flashes of blue streaking over the water in the dyke was our first surprise of the day  – a pair of Kingfishers – the only ones we have seen in this area.  This was closely followed with what may have been a Redpoll that was spotted clinging to a reed.  It sat for a while and the brightness of the red on its forehead stood out.  With a streaked body and lack of red on the breast it was more Redpoll than Linnet but it flew off before we could positively identify it.

It was another glorious autumn day with bright sun and warm air that had brought out some butterflies.  We identified a Large White and Comma, and what may have been a Red Admiral flitted by.  Autumn berries remain on the bushes – sloes, blackberries, rowan, hips and haws – and the colours of the trees are golden with many leaves still hanging to the trees.

There was some disturbance from heavy machinery in the field at Creeksea.  Apparently a fishing lake is being constructed and also an American golf course (??).  This is a bit worrying because earlier in the year we had seen flocks of Brent Geese feeding here and at least two pairs of Skylarks were present throughout their breeding season; let’s hope this habitat is not lost.

Birds: Wren (2), Goldfinch, Robin 6 (4), Blue Tit 3, Great Tit, Sparrow, Starling 4, Pied Wagtail 3 (2) Wood Pigeon 16 (7), Magpie 6, Kingfishers (2), Mallard (2), Little Grebe 2, Little Egret 2, Lapwing 19 (17), Redshank 4 (2), Black-headed Gull 28 (20), Herring Gull (numbers in brackets are those sighted at one time).

Flowers: Bristly Ox-Tongue, Dandelion, Ragwort, Bladder Campion, Mallow, Common Poppy, Black Horehound, Cow Parsley, White Deadnettle, Wild Carrot, White & Red Clover, Yarrow, Broad-leaved Plantain, Groundsel, Daisy, Knapweed, Marsh Thistle

Other: 7-Spot Ladybird (2), Bluebottle, Large White & Comma Butterflies, Rabbit, Shaggy Ink Cap (Lawyer’s Wig)

Next Meetings – Wednesday 11^th November Two Tree Island meet 10.00 in the car park near the southern slip.

Our Patch (11) Friday 20^th November 14.00 meet in the Marina Car Park.