Geese overhead

Two skeins of migrating geese flew SW overhead yesterday calling loudly. Too high to identify, but a wonderful sight, about 30 individuals in each 'V'
Cut the grass for the last time this year. Leaves are falling in increasing numbers. Despite a very mild October, Autumn is finally here.

Called at Low Barns reserve last Thursday and having sat through a long rain shower, was rewarded by excellent views of a kingfisher fishing when the sun finally came out.

As a bonus,l when I got home I spent about 10 minutes watching our resident sparrowhawk sitting on the garden fence.

Holly in Hawthorn Dene

Walked down into Hawthorn Dene 16th October. Mild Autumn day. Not much in the way of animals but some fabulous berries on the holly bushes.

Kingfisher at Low Barns

Tuesday 10th October,
Spent a damp grey afternoon at Low Barns Reserve, Witton-le Wear but was eventually rewarded with excellent views of a kingfisher fishing from a tree branch at the West Pool.
I managed to get a reasonable picture although the light levels were very low by the time it finally arrived.
















Saturday 14th October.

Very warm still for October. Two butterflies on the Hebe in the garden. Red Admiral and Comma.

Local nature reserves

Have been exploring some of my local nature reserves over the last week. I visited Shibdon Pond , Far Pasture and Rainton Meadows reserves all in Tyne and Wear.

As well as viewing a wide variety of birds and insect life I met a number of other wildlife enthusiasts who were without exception friendly and willing to help with local information.

Notable sitings were a snipe at close quarters at Shibdon, great views of a heron at Far Pasture and a comma butterfly at Rainton Meadows.