Sloe progress

The weekend at Tophill saw a noticeable change.  Gone had the yellow wagtails of  the access road, and instead had arrived the wildfowl with Martin reporting pintail and the first whistles of wigeon on the D reservoir could be heard - wintry indeed. 

Lots of hobby sightings as ever at this time of year.  Today is an auspicious date; but six years on just a kestrel to be seen...

Marsh harriers have been plentiful but perhaps the most impressive spectacle has been the variety of passerines on the move.  A lot more finches, with the blackthorn thicket at the top of D reservoir one of the favourite places.  A sighting of 5 greenfinches is not so common nowadays - but a spotted flycatcher is a fine thing indeed - especially too as yesterday - photo's John Pickering:

This juv was about today:

But countless chiffchaffs:

Willow warblers:

And blackcaps - all heading south:

Still a few waders in the offing with 40odd snipe earlier in the week, greenhank, green sandpiper and common sandpipers still on the walls:

Also heading south are the belted galloways - this group are leaving us to be weaned back at Beswick and instead two young steers will be joining us most likely tomorrow in South Scrub:

And finally if anyone fancies an excellent offer on the last of this years boat trips from Beverley there'll be vessels available this Saturday the 20th priced at £30 for a 3 man boat, a 4 man for £40 or a 6 man for £60 - so £10 a head.  For more information and bookings on what looks to be a good forecast ring Beverley Boat Hire on 07726 491430.