Birdwatcher’s Diary No.198

Published on: 10 Nov, 2019
Updated on: 10 Nov, 2019

By Malcolm Fincham

Autumn had truly arrived in the Surrey Hills as we entered the month of October.

My time has been restricted by the lessening daylight hours, inclement weather and other commitments. The latter included, of course, the pleasurable birdwatching trip to the Isles of Scilly featured in my previous report.

I found less time than hoped to visit the local patches around the Guildford area, I am renown to go to.

Redwings over Whitmoor Common, Worplesdon.

However, I was able to witness my first sightings of winter visitors during the first week of the month. A few redwings had already arrived across the North Sea on a brief spell of north-easterly winds.

It wasn’t until the middle of the month that I was able to get my first photos this autumn of a few of a small flock of 20 or so redwings as they flew overhead while I was visiting Whitmoor Common on October 15.

Most noticeable at this time of year are jays flying back and forth in deciduous woodland areas.

Jay with acorn on Whitmoor Common.

Busily, they can often be seen with an acorn in their beaks.

But jays have the ability to carry at least eight more in their throats, and can be seen to have noticeably bulging necks.

Jay in flight.

Taking advantage of the mild weather, as well as one of the better days for sunshine that week, I got close enough to view Dartford warblers that are resident on Whitmoor Common; and in good numbers too, for the size of the heathland.

Dartford warbler on Whitmoor Common.

“Hopefully the coming winter won’t be to harsh for them again this year,” I thought to myself, as I continued to enjoy their presence. I took advantage of the weakening glow of the lowering sun, to “snatch” a few more pictures of them, as it began to sink over my shoulder.

Mistle thrush, Whitmoor Common.

Other sightings there included a mistle thrush perched on a post in the field that borders the woodland at the edge of the heath.

Green woodpecker on Whitmoor Common.

While a pair of green woodpeckers flew across the field some distance away, though instantly recognised by their undulating flight.

Various types of fungi could now be found growing in the damp October soil.

Fly agaric toadstool.

Arguably the most iconic among the  toadstools could be found flourishing near the roots of some of the many birch trees on the common is the fly agaric.

They are often pictured and written about in fairy tales, including Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Great spotted woodpecker.

Up in one of the dead birch trees, a great spotted woodpecker could be seen.

Treecreeper on Whitmoor Common.

While a treecreeper worked its way up the bark of a nearby tree.

Goldcrest on Whitmoor Common.

Among the holly bushes, I was able to pick out goldcrest, the smallest of our UK birds.

Stonechat on Whitmoor Common.

Other resident spices included stonechats, which could still be found around the heathland areas, and a dunnock.

Lesser redpoll on Whitmoor Common.

I also managed to find my first wintering lesser redpoll among a mixed flock of small birds.

Reed bunting on Whitmoor Common.

As well as a reed bunting, before the light faded it out of recognition.

Meadow pipit on Whitmoor Common.

Meadow pipits were now increasing in number there, building up into a winter flock in excess of 70 birds, by the end of the month.

Meadow pipits on overhead wires, Whitmoor Common.

They lined up along the overhead cables as the daylight began to wane.

Fieldfare.

They were briefly joined by a fieldfare for just long enough to allow me a photo. My first fieldfare of autumn and to end the day.

Kingfisher at Britten’s Pond.

At Britten’s Pond, just down the road from Whitmoor Common, a resident kingfisher continued to show throughout October.

Autumn colours at Britten’s Pond.

It is an ideal stretch of water to go to when the weather is showery. Especially as it doesn’t involve too much walking on my lazier days – as well as not too far to retreat back to the car to avoid a soaking when the showers arrive.

Teal in the flooded area near Stoke Lock.

At the Riverside Nature Reserve, near Burpham, the autumn leaves had begun to fall. Looking out on the flooded field from the towpath by Stoke Lock, a few wintering teal had made their return.

Stonechat at the Riverside Nature Reserve.

Also in the field the first of an annual sighting of a stonechat could be viewed.

Long-tailed tit by Stoke Lake.

Most of the usual respective birds continued to be on show. These included the ever present small flocks of long-tailed tits.

Chiffchaff at the Riverside Nature Reserve.

A few chiffchaffs, although now silent of song, could be picked out as they flitted around in the sallows by the lakeside.

Kestrel hunting over the water meadows by Stoke Lake.

A male kestrel hovered over the grassland, looking for prey.

Cormorants on top of one of the pylons at the Riverside Nature Reserve.

Cormorants continue to be  a common sight there. The can occasionally be seen perched high up on one of the pylons.

Starlings gather on the wires at the Riverside Nature Reserve.

Starlings continued to gather on the surrounding framework and along the wires.

Canada geese could often be seen in varying number on the lake. Not knowing how to migrate properly, having lost their migratory instincts since their introduction to the UK as an ornamental species.

Canada geese at the Riverside Nature Reserve.

Now confused and migrating from lake to lake around the Guildford area and beyond.

Great crested grebes on Stoke Lake.

As many as three great crested grebes, now in their winter plumage, could be viewed most days on the lake.

Little grebes on Stoke Lake.

While on most visits as many as three little grebes could also be seen.

Tufted ducks on Stoke Lake.

Wintering tufted ducks continued to increase as the month progressed. I counted at least 20 on the lake as the month came to a close.

Taking up much therapeutic time for me, as well as untold patience, I would allow myself to lose track of that abstract concept better known as “time” to take a sequence of photos (shown below) as I sat by the the lakeside.

Kingfisher flying across Stoke Lake.

The most endearing “critter” to see there on most of my visits had to be a kingfisher properly ignoring the no fishing notice.

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