Stormy weather arrived yesterday and continued through the night allowing the River Piddle to recuperate slightly! When water levels recover sufficiently the meadows will be flooded encouraging the wildfowl to return and spend the winter grazing on the meadows.
The morning was cloudy turning showery this afternoon therefore it was time to go out on the Farm to see what the rain had dropped in. I travelled reasonably light with the option to duck into barns should the heavens open up!
The Horse field was to be the star location of the afternoons jaunt with a female Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher seen on the way up to the farm. The return was more fruitful with the same Redstart and four Spotted Flycatcher hawking insects from the fence-line. I had good scope views of the Redstart but once again failed to get pictures as the bird was at the back of the field. The security guards (resident Robin’s) were also patrolling the fence-line which may once again explain distance kept by the bird!
A couple of Green Sandpiper was heard bombing about landing along the banks of a healthy looking River Piddle! This species will winter on the water meadows but I am also hopeful for a Common Sandpiper at some point!
I did have to dodge a couple of quick showers but a local cow was un-phased taking up its own sentry duty across the Piddle! I thankfully made it back to the car a few steps before the heavens completely opened! More of the same is forecast for tomorrow and we are edging closer to peak migratory period!
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