Well the sun has been shining and the air has been still today, making it feel very much like Autumn. Excitement is in the air as several of the BBC team have been here starting to unload and set up cables, kit and cameras-Autumnwatch is very real now and I am buzzing!
Out on the reserve, the wildlife must have sensed it was in the limelight because sightings have been marvellous. The bearded tits have been very obliging on the grit trays, with lots of activity this afternoon in the sunshine. So far this year, 45 young have been ringed which is fantastic. We are hoping they will have a mild winter to give them even greater success next year.
Bearded tit on the grit trays by Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
There was a red deer stag and several hinds (females) out at Tim Jackson hide all afternoon. Our 'Guide in the Hide' Roger tells me that the views were fabulous and lots of visitors got to see them.
The otters are becoming very active through the day. Several times this week there have been up to two seen at once at Lilian's hide. Yesterday, they were out for an hour and a half swimming backwards and forwards across the back of Lilian's pool looking for a fishy treat. When you're out looking for the otters, it can often be a tell tale sign if all of the coots and ducks on the water suddenly rush off in the same direction in a panic. Look out for the flick of a tail and the round back coming out of the water.
I'm off to try and spot the starlings coming in shortly. Around 30, 000 have been coming in to roost at dusk on Barrow Scout Fields, and with the clear weather tonight, I'm hoping they'll put on a performance.
All of these fantastic creatures are due to be featured on next week's series of Autumnwatch, broadcast live at 8 pm from Tuesday 29 October-Friday 1 November, so don't forget to tune in!
We will be open as usual throughout so please do come and see us. We will be putting on additional car parking with a park and ride scheme or why not leave the car behind and hop on the train to come and visit. Our front door is only 250 m from Silverdale train station and you get a 10% cafe discount and free entry if you come on public transport or bike!