Monday 3rd November - Cool at last

Returned last week from a great trip to Zimbabwe and have updated a short report on the page opposite. Expected to return to cold wet damp conditions as should be the norm, but had a final few days of amazing temperatures into the 20's.

Finally normality returned this morning to the wet, windy and cold - Not much change to the local birds - a pair of Marsh Tits are frequenting the feeders and a Firecrest is seen daily in the hedge near the house with a couple of Goldcrests, the Woodpigeon festival has been underway but seemingly not the vast numbers seen last year. Several Redwings have been in groups of up to 35 and today a growing flock of Goldfinches was joined by a large number of Siskins feeding in the Alders- maybe up to 80 birds. Both Pied and Grey Wagtails have been seen with more than one Tawny Owl making a nightly racket in the still warm nights last week.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater - Zambezi Valley Oct 14