A few chores and then an amble around PHP on a gloriously blue, clear Autumn day. Greeted by lusty calling of Nuthatch and the usual four tit species. Despite lots of the usual dodgy wildfowl (now supplemented by two hideous Greylag hybrids) and BHGs, it felt a bit birdless now the hirundines have gone and the various patches of Ivy were now quiet insect wise.
A cracking ciabatta BLT and coffee whilst watching 14 Cormorants perched on the boats.
Later from the east side benches, several Common Darters and Red Admirals plus a few Eristalis spp. A Little Egret, the first I've seen here, was preening in the willow on the island, the Grey Heron on his railing and a single Little Grebe. Behind the bench a single Chiffchaff was still singing.
Biggest surprise whist watching gulls (including four Commons) and coots squabbling over food was a couple of red-headed Goosanders, one just yards off the 'beach' and an unexpected site tick. Shame no camera!
The local kiddies wildlife group had four Buzzards up together over the heath side.
Back home just this Cormorant and Shoveler and a Snickers bar relabelled 'Knackered' which seemed marginally more appropriate than one labelled 'Grumpy'!!
