October is one of the most exciting months in the birder's calendar. Features of this month included a Rock Pipit colour-ringed in Norway, 1250km away, the Osprey lingered well into the month, then Stonechats and Bearded Tits returned for the winter. It appeared to be a notable autumn for overhead passage of Redpolls and Siskins, although few actually touched down. 3 Scaup also appeared on Drayton, a scarce winter visitor here.
Rock Pipit by Richard Thomas, showing the colour-ring attached in Norway.
Sightings this month included:
Less welcome news is the arrival of Chinese Water Deer to Middle Fen and Chinese Mitten Crabs to the main reserve, both of these species can have negative affects on the habitats.
Henry Cook Assistant Warden – Fen Drayton Lakes