& then it was winter

heard my first Redwing 2 weeks ago, but had to wait till yestday for a good look at one :-

very kindly spotted, identified & photographed by JohnB    http://northeastwildlife.co.uk/gallery/index.php

Others from the North over the last week have included small numbers of Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Geese, Jack Snipe, Fieldfare, Brambling, Crossbill & a Common Redpoll

The real highlight being a number of Barnacle Geese (up to 100 birds ) stopping off to graze amongst the feral Greylags & Pie-bald ponies

Wild Barnacle Geese, held up by a spell of NW winds.


Finally a real surprise on a local lake - the first 1 ive seen all year :-

Small numbers of Swallow & House Martin float about & late singles of Sand Martin were noted passing through on Sunday & Monday.