Evening Folks! Let’s start with a summary of what was seen at Old Moor today. My thanks to Paul Gould for helping with today's count...
Some autumns are over in a flash. One minute summer, the next winter. But this one looks like it’s a ‘slow-burner’ - and those are the best sort.
Tomorrow it’ll be an amazing three weeks since the grey phalarope dropped in to Old Moor. This fantastic little wader has provided a terrific show and is still out there, feeding in frantic circles on Wath Ings.
At times hard to see, but well worth the search – the grey phalarope
In the same few weeks, the numbers of golden plovers have increased. This afternoon I counted 414 birds give or take. Every now and again the piping calls stop and the whole flock takes to the air. Four hundred glittering birds wheel and turn and catch the low autumn light. Magical.
‘Goldies’ coming in to land
Then there’s the less obvious gatherings. This afternoon rooks began to congregate at the back the Mere while this morning it was the turn of the jackdaws on the Field Pool.
(Mostly) Rooks by the ‘cuckoo tree’
And let’s not forget the groups of shoveler, teal and wigeon that are beginning to dominate the waters around Old Moor. Or for that matter the humble coot! John Seeviour’s sightings today (click here) reported an impressive 264 coot on Bolton Ings! Thanks John.
With all this – as well as the incredible colours of the autumn foliage – now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the best the season has to offer.
Until next time.