Summary

A fine October day for bird watching but apart from the usual water birds there was a distinct lack of small passerines despite the abundance of berries and good habitat. No finches and only a single robin, a blackbird and a dunnock were seen.  A single common sandpiper and three ruff were spotted on the wader scrape. The ruff was a subject for discussion but the scalloped feathers could just be made out.  Bearded tits and bitterns have been seen at Old Moor prior to our visit but despite perfect conditions none showed up. Fortunately the ducks, egrets and grebes were showing well and a large flock of lapwings were a spectacular sight flashing alternate black and white in the Autumn sunshine.

Members participating:    8

Bird list (35 species seen and/or heard)