Ingrebourne Valley October 9th

A late morning walk taking in the viewing area, the Black Bridge and then along the Farm Trail produced good numbers of Finches and Buntings. The farmer shoots and every year puts down Gamecrop for Pheasants, as many will know this benefits small ground feeding birds like Finches, Buntings, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits tremendously in the winter months. Not only does it provide a food source, it also gives cover from the severe winter weather.                                                                                                                 

As yet the overcast grey skies had not cleared so was not expecting any overhead migration, might give it a go on Sunday as this promises to be a brighter day.

My daughters 6 month old Staffordshire Bo meeting his first horse, the middle paddock looks very good for Ring Ouzel.

The following was seen in the round robin walk-

Brambling – 1 came up calling with Chaffinches opposite the viewing area

Teal – only 9 in the viewing area

Redwing – flocks of 40 and 20 overhead

Siskin – 2 initially and then a further 6

Kestrel – 2 immatures

Lapwing – 44 Farm Trail

Reed Bunting – 40 odd in the game crop, possibly could attract a Lapland Bunting as there has been a small influx.

Yellowhammer – 8 seen in the gamecrop

Jackdaw – at least 9 in the gamecrop

No significant numbers as yet of Skylark and Meadow Pipit, single figures of each being seen, Jays seem to be everywhere collecting acorns.