Black grouse are being recorded more regularly, but are still difficult to see. A few have been seen near the office at Stagsike Cottages over the last few days feeding on hawthorn berries.

Visible migration is still happening, hundreds of fieldfares, redwings and woodpigeons have been flying over west.  The thrushes can be seen from the trails, feeding on hawthorn berries too. Most of the goose passage is now over, but 58 greylag geese dropped into Tindale Tarn on Thursday. Wildfowl numbers have increased on the Tarn, notably 16 goldeneye, 14 pochard, 23 tufted duck, 30 wigeon and 50 teal. Two whooper swans arrived on the Tarn on the 3rd.

Several buzzards and kestrels can been seen from the trails, the latter feeding on the abundance of voles still present. This will also account for the recent records of short-eared owl on the reserve. As we move into winter many of the small birds become scarce but bullfinches are more numerous and can be seen feeding on heather seed on high ground.

The bird table and feeders in the garden at Stagsike Cottages has been moved to make it more difficult for the rats to get onto the table. Goldfinches, lesser redpolls, chaffinches, greenfinches, blue tit, coal tit and great tits have adapted quickly to the change. Some the pink male redpolls look very smart.

Brown hares can usually be seen on the trails, these two near Howgill were pretending they weren’t there.