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Autumn has arrived and October sees some real changes in the bird life using the farm. A few of our star species, like Redstart, Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher, might have departed (though there is a chance of a lingering juvenile) but some of our spring migrants still remain and October is a great month to find young warblers like Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat joining nomadic mixed flocks of Tits looking for insects in the woods, hedgerows and areas of scrub. Other species may join these roving bands too and it's not uncommon to find Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Goldcrest being swept along - many pairs of eyes make finding food and watching out for a hungry Sparrowhawk much easier! Will we get lucky and find something rarer?
By October the first Redwing and Fieldfare will have returned for the winter along with Scandinavian Blackbirds and continental Song Thrushes. These migrant birds form loose flocks and can be seen criss-crossing the fields, settling in the berry laden Holly trees and Hawthorns - much to the irritation of the local Mistle Thrushes! Good numbers of finch species will be using the farm too with Siskin and Lesser Redpoll all recorded in good numbers during the last winter period. Could we spot a Crossbill or a Brambling?
A sunny day should get us good views of the hungry raptors that use the farm with Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all regular whilst Red Kite are being sighted over the farm with increasing regularity. Owls are represented by both Tawny Owl and Barn Owl and both have been encountered on our Autumn walks.
Gather in the yard from 9.45am for a 10am start - the walk will last around 2 - 2.5 hours.
Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the conditions with suitable footwear (this is a working farm). Some of the paths may be rough and/or muddy/wet at this time of year and please be aware that the terrain is undulating and the walk will involve some hills.