A Windy Start to 2020 and still windy at the end of January

Tuesday 28th January 2020 was a reasonable day for a survey, with fine visibility. It was a clear morning with a westerly wind, no frost and no rain forecast. It was not perfect as the noise of the wind sweeping through the bare poplars meant that signing birds chose more sheltered corners. Hazel catkins put on a spurt of growth in the sun and there were plenty of Dog Rose hips overhanging the rising river and a few Holly berries remained too. Acorns could be found under fallen branches with last-years brown oak leaves still attached. Red arching bramble fronds gave colour to the banks and shelter to small birds and mammals. There had been a 'storm' on 14th which had left the ground scattered with twigs and small branches, mostly about 1 meter long. Small buds could be seen on some fruit trees. The overall impression was of a winter scene with brown dry stalks of last years undergrowth and bank vegetation,  and a thick layer of fallen leaves, contrasting with the previous winter (2018) where most vegetation had remained green and even growing, as the earth remained warm.

This winter however, dry grasses held food for wildlife,  especially for the finches which picked out  the seeds of flowers and grasses. It was not surprising that over one hundred house sparrows were seen in various colonies, choosing the thickets and hedges trapping the warmth of the low sun. Some were bathing in the river, knowing that they could dry out and preen whilst the sun lasted then moving into shelter close by. A sparrowhawk flew into the trees and disappeared. Dunnocks (10) were easily seen today and some were singing, keeping to the lowest perches. Robins (26) were singing too, guarding their territories, far bolder than the dunnocks. 

Wrens were keeping low with only 6 seen - and heard, perhaps sheltering from the wind, not attempting to be heard above the noise. No goldcrests were seen, no doubt present but unseen, sheltering deep in the conifers, but goldfinches were definitely present with about fifty in several groups, most singing with house sparrows in a more sheltered thicket. Only one chaffinch was seen flying across. Tough blue tits were numerous foraging along the old deciduous tree margin, continuously busy investigating every bramble leaf surface and tree hole for insects and spiders on warm sunlit surfaces (about 70). Great tits (20) were very visible and audible, active in the oaks, chasing and calling very loudly. The more fragile long-tailed tits were active too with a total of 17 in small groups, snatching insects around hollies and conifers uncommonly close to the ground but out of the wind.
 Thirty herring gulls were wheeling and gliding above, enjoying the strong wind whilst carrion crows (4) were busy feeding and calling from an old oak. The only other bird above the trees here was a kestrel, briefly visible. Five awkward magpies were seen in the trees, the wind in their feathers. One jackdaw flew across and one black-headed gull, plumage in transition, stood around on the playing field. Starlings (13) preferred to shelter, whistling and calling together in their day roost. One however flew into a nearby oak, trigging loud calls from a nuthatch defending its territory. This was just one of ten nuthatches seen today in various places along the riverside, with at least one pair climbing a tree-trunk close to a possible nest hole. A great spotted woodpecker gave a demonstration of the woodpecker species direct decisive  flight, strong against the wind, followed by a second one, whilst further along, another was calling out from a tree - below it a domestic cat appeared, slinking through the undergrowth. (3 great-spotted woodpeckers in total, two were probably a pair). Walking around a bend in the river, a green woodpecker was seen on the grass where there had been ants nests during the summer. It dodged out of sight but didn't fly up.
The ever-present guardians, the wood pigeons, were mostly settled on sunny perches in the trees away from the wind but a group flew over, heading into the wind (total about 30). Three collared doves, one pair and a single one were sitting in an ash tree close to overhanging Ivy berries.

There were only two redwing and two fieldfare present today - but 12 song thrushes, some foraging on the grass with blackbirds. A few of the twelve were singing loudly but the rest were feeding on Ivy berries in competition with blackbirds, or peacefully on the grass. There were 32 blackbirds in all, silent except for occasional alarm calls. These could be seen almost everywhere along the river.
Two large bold mistle thrushes were out on the field together (a pair?) in the company of the black-headed gull in the wind, just looking around. They may well have a nest in the tall trees on the perimeter. A mistle thrush was heard singing loudly from a tree on a very windy day on a previous day, not far away- further upstream on the Arun.

This survey, on 28th January 2020 certainly revealed signs of spring but audible signs rather than visual signs as most birds were singing strongly despite the wind. Towards the end of the survey, the sun disappeared and it felt like evening was fast approaching, although only the middle of the day.

The second half of 2019 - a summary

This summary of July to December 2019 - as for the summary of the first half does not include the full wildlife report usually for one single day per month. These can be found in the Archive section in the right hand column. This summary for 2019 contains wildlife not present every day.

JULY 2019 - A month where vegetation along the river remained green and tall, a marked difference from the previous year - 2018 when the lack of rain had a severe effect on growth over the second half of the year, vegetation dried up and died back before producing flowers and seeds for the autumn. Rainfall in 2019 was slight but enough to keep the rivers running continuously - there was no lack of damselflies and butterflies although dragonflies associated with ponds were scarce.

Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies were still present, together with Banded Demoiselle damselflies in cooler meanders of the rivers and groups of Swan Mussels were seen on the river bed as the water was running clear and shallow.

A red kite was occasionally seen sailing over the river whilst song thrushes and warblers were still singing early in the month. Families of blackcaps, chiffchaffs and whitethroats were seen and a lesser whitethroat heard calling. On damp days song thrushes were seen whacking snails on the path and blackbirds were seeking out foraging areas in shady dense undergrowth, together with wrens some still feeding young. In the dry areas small mammals could be detected amongst the dry grasses, pulling down seed heads. It was naturally good for thistles this summer - abundant thistle flower growth meant of course an abundance of butterflies. Meadow Brown butterflies, Ringlets, Large and Small Skippers, Red Admirals, Commas and Holly Blues, Speckled Woods and Large Whites were present throughout the month. By the 14th Fleabane was flowering, attracting more insects and the first sign of Hazel nuts being pulled from branches was noted. These were still green - they are seldom left to ripen on the trees. By the 21st Gatekeeper Butterflies were appearing in the warm grasses on the banks. Goldfinches were now singing again in groups, with loudly singing blackbirds, song thrushes and robins. Nuthatches and great-spotted woodpeckers were calling again. Groups of starlings were more easily seen and heard now.

It is worth noting that on 22nd in the Town Centre, about 20 swifts were seen feeding on aerial insects under the low cloud and House Martins were still on nests in the old facades of some buildings.

AUGUST 2019 - on 1st, Emerald Damselflies, male and females  (Lestes sponsa) were seen low over a sheltered unmoving shallow stretch of water.   This month  saw a change along the rivers with huge numbers of bees and Gatekeeper butterflies thronging the Thistles, creeping and otherwise…and field grasses. Small Copper and Meadow Browns on the embankment, with Gatekeepers and Large Whites on the different varieties of flowering Brambles on the river banks. On 13th, butterflies seen on the field grasses were Common Blues chasing, Small Blues flying fast, Brown Argus and Small Heath. Guelder Rose berries were ripening.

Brown Hawkers and a Southern Hawker were seen on the damp but drying ponds whilst thousands of other insects - bees, hover flies and other flies were on the thistle, knapweed, and common hogweed flower heads - and other wild plants, all perfect pollinators. Chiffchaffs were singing. On 20th Banded Demoiselles and a White-legged Damselfly were seen over the river bank with Speckled Wood and Gatekeeper butterflies nearby and much higher up, amongst the canopy of an old Ash tree, Brown Hairstreak Butterflies (males) were seen moving around.

On 21st very fresh Small Tortoiseshell butterflies and Gatekeepers were seen. It remained very hot and dry towards the end of the month.

SEPTEMBER 2019 - Gradual changes now - the approach of autumn this year is very slow. A fairly large crowd of starlings occupied their usual day roost amongst ivy, singing and whistling and a few black-headed gulls appeared. Butterflies remained numerous with Red Admiral, basking Comma and Large Whites over the bramble. A Southern Hawker dragonfly patrolled the same sheltered area. Blackcaps shared  thicket with goldfinches. On 4th a Brown Hairstreak female was seen flying very short distances on a hedge with Blackthorn to lay single eggs and investigate young Ash saplings.
It was close enough to see well.
Hawthorn berries had all been plundered but other berries and fruits remained to attract calling chiffchaffs and singing blackcaps. On 8th, a quiet windless day, several Southern Hawkers were patrolling with two Brown Hawkers and a Migrant Hawker along the banks. In the evening a bat survey was done, the results being good with large numbers of Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle especially along the tree-lined river banks amongst the old oaks. There were more than usual but this may have been due to good timing of their emergence from their roosts, some leaving old oaks at an old pond, flying down their 'bat flyway' to forage along the river which held a good variety of insects over the water. This timing can vary depending on weather and light conditions. The rivers provide very good habitat for Moorhen to breed and forage and were also seen this evening.
House sparrows did well this summer most raising several broods, increasing the size and probably the number of colonies present here, judging by their song. It's called 'Social Singing'. Chiffchaffs were still present. On 18th ecologists came to survey the old oaks for the presence of bats. They were working in one oak where a great-spotted woodpecker challenged them with loud calls. It flew away but returned immediately to continue to object to their presence. They left and calm resumed. On 23rd a kestrel was seen hunting the riverside and a sparrowhawk flew across. Another Southern Hawker was seen patrolling. Low cloud and rain brought barn swallows and house martins out over the river to hunt insects on 24th. Dense Ivy clumps gave shelter to other birds.

OCTOBER 2019 - Butterflies were still present, with Small Copper early in the month and Speckled Woods over the brambles on 30th. Berries fruits and acorns were plentiful now with jays collecting acorns a common sight. Spindle berries, Rosa canina hips, Hawthorn berries, Ivy berries and Sloes, the fruit of the Blackthorn, remained to be plucked, with male and female Bullfinches hiding in the background. Starlings started to gather in large groups and Meadow Pipits made their usual autumn visit accompanied by Pied Wagtails. Buzzards were seen on some days with a group of three calling loudly, gliding, circling together, looking down without being mobbed by crows on 16th. Large family groups of long-tailed tits (up to 20), a few goldcrests and groups of goldfinches frequented the tree canopies, with robins, song thrushes, dunnocks and blackbirds foraging below amongst spider's webs.
The first frosts occurred towards the end of the month and the first fieldfares were seen way down south over the Arun at Pulborough.

NOVEMBER 2019 - a great-spotted woodpecker was seen checking tree holes and on 5th a huge 'roaming flock' of the usual woodland birds was seen following each other and foraging rather than  together in a single group - across the bridge, from oak to oak, to field maple to ash to blackthorn and hawthorn. Pied wagtails were foraging together on rooftops.
On 24th, the first winter song of the song thrush was a welcome sound, two birds one each side of the river. From then on, the rain came and the song thrushes sang. The river levels rose and all was right in this part of the land.

DECEMBER 2019 - The rain continued and the river levels were restored to their seasonal status. A large and very noisy flock of Jackdaws flew over heading west on 13th and song thrushes continued to sing loudly. More meadow pipits and pied wagtails, calling, moved across and blackbirds and song thrushes thronged the Guelder Rose plants plucking the fruits, quite unconcerned with the increasing river levels, on 20th, singing increased too. By the 21st water levels were dropping again and the robins and thrushes sang on, content that foraging would be easy for many days to come. Pied wagtails remained on the rooftops with long-tailed tits in the tree canopy. Song thrushes continued to sing loudly and the green woodpecker called. On 27th two goldcrests were seen foraging along a hedge, song thrushes still singing, buzzards seen gliding, wood pigeons collared doves and redwing foraging in the Ivy for ripe berries, dunnocks on the fence and goldfinches on the seed heads of long grasses and dock.
High atmospheric pressure moved in for the last four days of the year.

Searching for the Blue Sky

Here is a short summary of the whole year 2019 from notes taken on any day. Full survey records for one chosen day each month can be found in the archive list column on the right of the page.

2019 was a better year for wildlife in general here than 2018 when there was an unusual lack of rainfall

together with some very hot spells which dried up any moisture left in the ground. The young trees we had planted about three years before had to be watered every day or two over many weeks during the summer and at the beginning of 2019 the ground remained extremely dry.

Gradually however sustained rainfall with cloudy weather meant that the water table rose. It was remarkable that the riverside vegetation - grasses, scrub and trees quickly became green again and remained very green throughout the summer of 2019 despite some record-breaking high temperatures on odd days.  Shade created by the green vegetation prevented the ground surface from drying out and frequent showers sustained growth.  Wildlife thrived.

There have been a few days without dark clouds and endless 

misty rain. These are Hazel catkins which quickly appeared on the many young trees

planted here as soon as the sky cleared.

Note that the birds mentioned below accompany 'everyday' birds along the riverside which are almost always present. These include wrens, blue tits, great tits, house sparrows, woodpigeons, carrion crows, rooks, jackdaws, magpies, herring gulls and blackbirds, unless requiring a special mention.

Full Records and surveys always mention ALL bird species present on that day.

JANUARY 2019 - Little egrets were quite frequently seen following the river course downstream and grey herons were a common sight along the river, frequenting the ponds and drainage basins alongside. Blackbirds and song thrushes, some of the latter singing - a mixture of resident and winter migrant birds, were often seen foraging together with a few fieldfare and redwing on some days. Dunnocks were now singing. Long-tailed tits in family groups, bullfinches (usually single pairs) and mallards (also usually in single pairs) with chaffinch, blackcap, mistle thrush, goldcrest and sparrowhawk also present during the month.

FEBRUARY 2019 - the river overflowed its banks on 9th but soon dropped. Willow catkins began to appear. The first Brimstone butterfly was seen on 15th and a second on 17th. A Red Admiral was seen on 23rd. 

 Song thrushes, most singing loudly were present in larger numbers throughout the month.

Bullfinches, jays, dunnock, long-tailed tits, great spotted woodpecker, goldcrests, chaffinch and black-headed gulls were all present at times, in low numbers. February was notable in that there were many birds singing and Bumblebees were out looking for early sources of nectar and pollen.

MARCH 2019 - the river overflowed its banks on 4th but again the water level dropped soon. Two male mallard were seen paddling upstream and grey herons, now a common sight, were seen, usually heading towards the ponds. Song thrushes, some singing loudly were often present and blackbirds were heard singing for the first time this year. Two redwing were seen calling on 19th. Dunnock were singing on the same day with magpies seen feeding young in the nest. On 23rd chiffchaffs were seen and heard calling and a greenfinch was heard singing.  The first breeding blackcaps were seen in willows on 25th.  On 27th a buzzard was circling high . Several more Brimstone butterflies were present on 29th and as the heat steadily rose on 30th the first Small Tortoiseshell butterfly was seen on clumps of Cuckooflower on the river bank. Seven chiffchaffs were calling nearby.

British Summertime on 31st was celebrated by the sound of two common whitethroats singing in the scrub with a buzzard circling above. Along the river bank five song thrushes were all singing.

APRIL 2019 - a typical Sussex April with numerous singing song thrushes, singing blackcaps, singing common whitethroats and singing chiffchaffs, softly calling bullfinches, occasional sightings of chasing coal tits and on 12th, first sightings of barn swallows overflying the river, catching insects. Buzzards were seen gliding over the river course on most days with grey herons seen , watching for amphibians, flying low along the river or perched on banks of ponds. They are probably from the heronry at Warham LNR where they breed early in the year. Mallard were seen paddling under the steep banks, with noisy altercations sometimes giving them away. Above them great spotted woodpeckers flew to and fro collecting food for their young in tree holes. Nuthatches however were elusive, protecting their young. A sparrowhawk was seen lurking, the new growth on the thickets making it easier to ambush birds. A kestrel was seen hovering above the hedges watching out for small mammals. Bullfinches were now finding it easy to hide once more in their favourite thickets. Other small birds were scarcely seen or heard as nesting took priority, These were the finches, goldcrests, robins, and dunnocks. However a kingfisher was seen whizzing low along the river banks.

By the second week in April, Blackthorn blossom was profuse, covering bare branches, with Hawthorn covering the river banks with fresh green foliage together with Cow Parsley- then Dandelions and daisies appeared towards the end of the month. Oaks were coming into leaf but Ash trees were not advanced. Bluebells, Cuckooflower, Garlic Mustard and Wild Garlic soon appeared under the trees canopy and amongst grasses. Fruit trees were all blossoming by mid April.

The first Holly Blue butterflies were seen, then Orange Tips on 18th. Speckled Woods were always present in more shady areas.

MAY 2019 - birdsong continued, now including blackbirds and goldfinches with garden warbler joining in. More grey heron were seen, some heard calling in flight. Red Admiral, Small White and Holly Blue butterflies were seen and common whitethroats were nesting and singing, together with garden warbler, blackcaps and chiffchaffs. Six swifts and several house martins were seen catching insects over the river, with two jays present in the foliage of old oaks (17th). Great tits were nesting amongst the backside nettles. On 18th more swifts were seen under low cloud during a light rain shower and two buzzards were circling together higher up.

Towards the end of the month a Large Red Damselfly was see, then a Scarce Chaser and the first Banded Demoiselle appeared with many more on 31st together with some Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies. Holly Blue butterflies were most numerous than usual and were seen with Green-veined White and Speckled Woods. 

JUNE 2019 - saw large numbers of fledged young and other birds still in the nest. Numerous groups of young starlings together with a few adults were now seen flying across the river. On 6th a Grizzled Skipper butterfly was seen on a warm and sheltered verge. Song thrush, blackcap and whitethroat were all singing and Great- spotted woodpecker was seen flying across to and from an old Ash tree. Dog roses and Elder were in flower. Swifts continued to be seen in the air over the river (8th) ad loud crows were seen chasing a buzzard. Five fledged juvenile nuthatches were seen in a close group in the oaks while Hazelnuts and Blackberries were forming in the hedgerows and thickets.

Peacock butterfies, Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods were all seen over the grasses. Common Blues were also seen on 30th.

See Next Blog for JULY to DECEMBER 2019…..

to be continued there.

The Mist of 2019 Clears, bringing signs of Spring

Here at last is the survey for Monday 30th December 2019
A lot more water having gone under the bridges since then.....
also a summary of the whole of 2019 will appear here soon.

It was a misty start but gradually clearing to a fine day. The ground was still very muddy after the high waters receded from where parts of the rivers Arun and Boldings Brook had spread over their banks.  Some small branches and twigs had been washed up and carpets of fallen autumn leaves had been shifted around but strongly rooted vegetation, shrubs and trees had prevented erosion of the river banks.

One of the old oaks on the riverbank standing strong and full of wildlife.

The low sun lit up fresh Hazel catkins, always a first sign of spring but there were still Hawthorn berries and Rosa canine rose hips still plentiful. Hornbeam, young oaks and most brambles still have leaves, now brown and wind worn but providing valuable shelter for small birds and mammals but as always, Ivy is the best sustainer  of life in a winter wilderness here.

Birdsong was continuous, increasing as the sun rose, with house sparrows in small groups moving to uppermost branches and twigs of bracken and bramble, about 130 in all along the river and probably many more well hidden. Robins (34) were mostly singing. Two were splashing in a pool in the sheltered trailing edge of a debris island - these 'islands' providing the only access to still water in the fast moving rivers. One robin flew over my head and 'plummeted' down into the bank vegetation. It has spotted a wren invading its territory. The high water levels have restricted the habitat of wrens recently but they soon re-establish their territories and ten were seen today but only one singing, the rest were silent or giving the occasional alarm call. Dunnocks seem to have been unaffected, as four were present. Only one chaffinch was seen and one greenfinch heard but 20 goldfinches were present in two groups in thickets, quietly singing.
A great-spotted woodpecker was seen giving loud calls in an old oak and another was heard drumming further north. Nearby another was calling in flight. (3). It was good to hear a green woodpecker calling across the river from a grassed area unaffected by water levels. More yaffling was heard later, probably from the same bird. Good news from the nuthatches as five were seen and heard calling loudly in their established territories in various locations along the river in the old oaks and an old ash.

Song thrushes had been singing for some time this winter, the first heard in late November and today there were 13, each singing in different places, some loudly. Ivy berries were a great attraction. Blackbirds, probably a mix of residents and migrants were all intent on foraging, mostly low on bank vegetation or previously inundated riverside grasses (26) - absolutely quiet. Only 6 fieldfare were seen amongst trees with ivy berries or on the grass - and only two redwing, also foraging. It was good to see a single mistle thrush on an oak, staring down at me not singing.
Carrion crows were very vocal, most in the trees but some in a small flock. Perhaps the mist had delayed their morning take-off to the fields (total 33). The same reason may apply for the numbers of wood pigeons seen here (45). Starlings were present (15) but most just whistling and singing in their Ivy-clad day roost. Scattered amongst the tree tops were about 9 magpies and numbers of collared doves seem to be increasing again now, with 10 seen, most in pairs. Jackdaw numbers have also slowly increased with 20 seen today, all heading purposefully west to distant fields and 7 rooks in the distance. A single jay flew out across the river and eleven herring gulls were seen in the air.
Lastly the small birds, more easily seen now that most trees are bare. Four goldcrests were seen two in a conifer and two in an oak some distance away, fast-foraging. All along the riverside blue tits were busy, more or less anywhere, not conforming to a flock, amounting to 130 with about 40 great tits, some now calling, moving in their own small groups. Long-tailed tits were also seen in small groups, at least ten and last but not least, three coal tits in the pines.

A Frosty start to December

December 2019 began with a series of frosty mornings but each day warmed up so that frost remained only in shady places. The 4th December was such a day, where frost and ice only lasted on shallow water. The pond here is perfect for frogs, surrounded by plenty of vegetation not far from the river. Frog spawn will attract birds such as grey herons which will also catch tadpoles and froglets and adult frogs.

It was evident that there had been several cycles of thawing and re-frosting here

with the white surfaces formed of ice, not snow - as there has been no snow yet

this winter.....

A close-up of the ice contours on the pond.

Song thrushes singing again, migrants are here.

November 2019 - the riverside has gone through many changes since the October survey - this Survey for the 29th November has seen record numbers of some species of bird; part of the reason could be the favourable conditions of the day and of course the autumn leaf fall.
It was cold, around 4 degs. C with some ice at first but no frost, no wind and no clouds. A clear blue sky remained all day after some fine misty rain the previous night.
It was quiet apart from loud birdsong all along the river. Road construction works were finished at last, with only the winter planting of native trees and shrubs to come.

Crab apples after the rain, 29th November 2019. These provide

food for birds, mainly blackbirds, during the worst of the winter

weather when other more succulent fruits and berries have been

plundered, usually by migrant redwing and fieldfare making their way westwards.

The rivers were still running high but no higher than usual after rain.

There were still plenty of native berries and fruits, with Ivy berries ripening fast to provide a feast during the long winter months, together with dog rose hips on high-climbing plants.

The first birds to be heard as usual were the House Sparrows warming up in the sun where the long shadows were receding over the river banks. During a cold windy overcast day they would remain under the shelter of brambles and hawthorn hedges - but well in excess of 100 were seen clearly today. 

Robins were numerous too, (42) most singing, some churning leaves, others guarding chosen bushes such as Elder and Spindle or perching on prominent branches so as to be seen and heard by all.
Wrens (14) were singing likewise, aiming to be seen and not afraid to fly close, over my shoulder, although giving loud alarm calls at the sight of a possible predator. As usual dunnocks were keeping low apart from one sitting out on a fence, twitching its tail (5).
Blue tits (74) were foraging for insects emerging in the sun, following each other or in small groups with single birds seldom seen. Great tits (48) were also following but more were investigating the piles of fallen leaves under trees and are now checking the Horsham Stone of the new bridge where the rough texture has been harbouring many insects. There was a very good view of  treecreeper making its way up the trunk of a large Ash tree - a good view now that the leaves have fallen. Another was seen in a Oak further upstream, both on the sunlit side of the trees where the bark was warming up (2).
Much more elusive than others, three coal tits were heard calling, then calls from long-tailed tits were heard alongside, close up, heading for the tree canopy, then another group were seen in willows (total 12). Behind riverbank willows, in a blackthorn thicket the soft voices of two bullfinches was heard, with only a glimpse through the dense branches.
Although two groups of goldfinches were seen (15), only 3 chaffinches and no greenfinches were seen.
Goldcrests go about their foraging largely unseen and unheard but it was a good day and seven were heard calling behind me and seen above me, foraging separately in deciduous trees a good distance away from any conifers.

Two Oaks, young and old on 29th November 2019 on the river bank

Looking up, a total of 16 carrion crows were seen in various places, some calling but none in groups. Herring gulls were seen and heard too (about 40) but again not in a flock. Jackdaws however were seen in small groups, 4 calling in a tree, the rest in the air (40) and 20 rooks in the air. Several small groups of starlings (20) were present, one group whistling in their day roost. Today only two magpies were seen but 5 jays were present, their fine plumage giving them away when they tried to hide from view.  87 wood pigeons were about and easily visible, some feeding on the wet grass, others dozing in the treetops or scrambling for ripening Ivy berries. Collared doves were sitting on a hazel tree - a favourite sun trap, close to the Ivy berries (3).

Nuthatches were very much in evidence, most calling loudly from chosen old Oak or Ash trees (total 10). One of these held its ground whilst a male great-spotted woodpecker flew from tree to tree. Two juveniles and a female were seen along other parts of the river (4 total) - suitable trees are at a premium for nesting next spring. 2 green woodpeckers were calling from the field margin - they nest in tree holes too, so need to compete early on.

Large flocks of migrant thrushes have not yet been observed but 13 fieldfare and 8 redwing were seen collecting berries from the branches of Blackthorn thickets overhanging the river. It was very good to see good numbers of blackbirds (49), some clearly newly arrived migrants perched high, surveying the landscape and 9 very active song thrushes, some singing continuously.

Lastly a sparrowhawk was seen diving into a thicket and a kestrel  was perching on a branch with an outlook over open space.

The First Frost, October 28th 2019

Monday 28th October - the first frosty morning of the autumn after the rain, mist, wind and finally sun of the previous week, the expected cold spell moved in. It was clear and sunny for the first part of the survey then high cloud moved across and the day became colder again.

The frost had rapidly thawed leaving the riverside very damp. The river was flowing fast but the level had dropped by about a meter, the water still muddy. Small clusters of leaves and twigs lay under the trees, blown by the wind, with single leaves. Walking under the old oaks dense carpets of acorns crunched underfoot, even more than there were last year, but mainly from different oaks.

Acorn carpet under an old oak on the river bank - too numerous for wildlife to cache.

How soon will they be gone?

Jays (4) were busy in the trees and long grass, no noisy fights over food at present. Heavy wood pigeons were numerous today (34), most in the trees but some on the ground, foraging warily, flying off if intruders approach too close. Their observations and reactions always serve as a warning to other birds which take off as soon as a woodpigeon signals alarm. Only one collared dove was seen. Magpies (7) were restless, flying from one tree to another, calling - but unusually, carrion crows  (16) were far noisier and more numerous today. There was a small group having a very loud and angry altercation which seemed to last for about two hours. 

Some distance away 35 starlings were seen in small quiet groups, flying in and out of their day-roost which is layered with flowering Ivy. Ivy was flowering in other areas too, attracting crowds of insects, mostly wasp-types and bees.

Flowering Ivy attracting numerous insects. There will soon be clumps of 

Ivy berries forming which will in turn provide food for winter migrant birds

as well as resident birds.

One low-flying song thrush was seen, but blackbirds were more numerous (17), still just our resident resident birds, ranging along the entire stretch of the rivers checking on the locations of Rosa canina rose hips, a good crop this year, and other fruits small and large, in advance of icy weather when foraging on the frozen ground becomes difficult. It was good to see that the first fieldfares, only two at present, had arrived. The wind direction just beginning to become more favourable for migration from the east. There will be redwings and 'European' blackbirds with them and, according to recent studies, possibly migrating robins as well! At the moment 21 robins were seen and most heard as well but only singing very short snatches of song or making alarm calls. They predictably guard choicest berries such as Elder, Holly and Spindle. Wrens were sheltering in the undergrowth, only 10 seen with two singing - and two dunnock, also well hidden. It was quiet and high calls gave away the presence of two goldcrests and nearby a single blue tit was seen collecting spiders from the corner of a bat box. Elsewhere  a total of 34 were seen in various trees searching for insects whilst 15 great tits were seen - a group following each other with a few (3) long-tailed tits from Ash trees to Willows over the river. A single chiffchaff was calling in the thicket there. Behind the Willows a weak call came from a bullfinch in a favourite sheltered location.

House sparrows (about 80) had sought out warm sheltered places after a freezing start to the day, with some groups eventually singing together well hidden under brambles. Others were low down under the river banks, bathing in shallows. Perhaps the river water feels warm after a frosty night. Some goldfinches (18) and starlings had joined singing sparrows which had chosen a taller thicket in the sun.

In the same area a treecreeper was making its way up a tree trunk then flew off to a larger mature tree.

Above, a great-spotted woodpecker was seen flying across, then another flew north and a third was heard drumming! (3) whilst low down on the grass, a green woodpecker called loudly, yaffling.

Familiar calls came from several of the old oaks long the river - these were from nuthatches (6) which are certainly making their presence known, commanding prime nest sites as they start preparing their nests well in advance over the winter.

Overhead 4 calling jackdaws were seen, about 10 black-headed gulls and 14 herring gulls, some calling. I looked up - the gulls had disappeared but a fine juvenile buzzard was flying low, chased by a single crow.  The buzzard shook off the crow and headed straight towards me flying low over and across a bridge to investigate a road-works vehicle nearby.  Maybe it would find small mammals on the verge, disturbed by the road works!