Return to Barnwell.

Today I spent a few rather unproductive hours ambling around Barnwell CP where the weather owed more to autumn than summer. In fact growing signs of the coming season are everywhere, from the gradual changing colour of the leaves to the fruits, nuts and berries weighing down many a branch. Migrant birds are fattening up before undertaking their migrations and both Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were moving furtively through the foliage while flocks of hirundines hawked for insects overhead.

Chiffchaff.

Only a small number of insects were active in distinctly cooler conditions with that typically late season duo of Common Darter and Migrant Hawker being commonest. A single Southern Hawker was also noted while a few  damsels were found. Two each of Common Blue and Blue-tailed were slightly overshadowed by three Red-eyeds as this is now getting rather late in the year for this species. Only a few butterflies were seen and these included three species of white and a few Speckled Woods.

Green-veined White and Common Darter.

Not too many birds were seen though an impressive total of sixteen Mandarins were observed but they were keeping themselves out of the way amongst bankside vegetation. A Kingfisher was heard calling though sadly I didn't manage to catch a glimpse. Sadly many of the Chaffinches have fallen victim to the condition Papillomatosis which affects their feet and one male had lost a foot. It didn't make for comfortable viewing but the bird at least seemed to be coping.

Red-eyed Damselfly and Chaffinch with missing foot.

With so little on view I called it quits and headed off for the town where I enjoyed a couple of pints before heading home on the bus.

Robin and Great Tit.