Birding and other distractions

A glorious autumn day, sunny with a southerly breeze. Nothing out of the ordinary in terms of birds, with lowish numbers of Chaffinch and Siskin, one Brambling was heard plus a couple of Redpolls. A large mixed flock of tits, also held several Goldcrest. The birds of prey were four-five each of Buzzard and Kestrel, also one Marsh Harrier, though I couldn't find the Merlin reported yesterday. On the marsh a Little Owl was scoped from the Ernie Hemsley viewpoint. The marsh from Ernie Hemsley viewpoint. Spindle with bright red fruits.

A lovely autumn day spent at Elmley. Almost too nice really, with little wind to bring in any new birds. At the Brickfields activity from Bearded Tits was noteworthy, though despite being close they all proved too elusive for the camera. Walking back along the track I twice heard the call of Yellow-browed Warbler near the farm buildings, though try as I might the bird didn't show itself. From there we walked to the screen hide from which a distant view was obtained of an Osprey in the Swale. The bird was sitting atop a tall post, seemingly eating a fish. Grey Heron Brown Hare