First Frost

A crisp and bright morning saw me hopping on to the trusty X4 over to Oundle for a walk along the river. The first frost had turned the grass white in patches and it positively sparkled in the sunshine. Morning mist clung low to the surface of the river like dry ice and conditions were beautifully clear.

Top, a little known form, the Cattle Mallard and a sudberg.

While I set out with a vague hope of seeing Otters I had to be content with altogether less exciting fare. Only the usual water birds could be found with a Kingfisher being the best and several Herons. Some sort of spill had occurred around Ashton lock and little floating islands of soapy like suds resembling mini icebergs were drifting down river. I hope that whatever caused this does not cause any damage to the delicate ecosystem.

Mute Swan.

While water birds were somewhat lacking there was some passerine activity to enjoy. Around Ashton Mill a flock of Fieldfares, the first of several, passed noisily over and I also saw some Redwings during the day. Both Bullfinches and Goldfinches almost gleamed in the bright conditions and there were a few mixed flocks of tits feeding in riverside vegetation. A little closer to Oundle a Redpoll flew over, there were a few little groups of Siskins passing too. Other birds on the move included Starlings, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.

Well it wasn't that exciting.

Barnwell CP was busy, I thought it was half term last week but the battalions of squealing sprogs suggested otherwise. Despite this there was some stuff to enjoy, two Wigeon on Mill Lake were unusual and a couple of Tufted Duck were also noted. Five Mandarins were in their favoured spot and as usual they were well concealed in a mass of twigs and leaf litter.

Some of the birds seen from Lowlands Hide.

The feeders at Lowlands Hide were doing a roaring trade with a good variety of species visiting. On occasion the birds would flush as dog walkers passed. I wonder if dog walking makes you deaf as many seem to converse at louder than normal volumes, the kiddies were quiet by comparison! A trio of ravenous squirrels took over the feeders so I retreated and grabbed a couple of pints of Hobgoblin in town before catching the bus home.

Barnwell looking nice in the sunshine.

Only one insect of note seen during the day and that was a Red Admiral in Oundle town centre.