Nice one, squirrel

A walk around St Andrews Park produced several Grey Squirrels, one of which showed quite attractive reddish colouring around its head and ears - genetic variations in coat colour are common in this species. Also in the park were Long-tailed and Blue Tits and several Goldfinches.

At the station the ridiculously warm sunny weather brought out lots of Harlequin Ladybirds, many walking around on the foorbridge. Also Eristalis hoverflies and Honey Bees plus another Grey Squirrel.

Fox 0:1 Cat

This morning at 6 o'clock I let the cat out and just as I opened the door, a Fox was passing by. It stopped and stared at Tom for about 20 seconds before continuing its journey, whereupon Tom ran after it!

A Grey Wagtail flew over Brigstocke Road this morning.

Blackbird invasion!

....well, a bit of an influx at the station this morning plus the usual Chaffinches and House Sparrows. Otherwise all rather quiet despite cracking weather.

Winter thrushes?

This morning from the station, distant groups of what appeared to be winter thrushes were flying south - they may have been Redwings. Joining them were parties of Starlings, Woodpigeons and finches. Nearer to hand, Greenfinches and Chaffinches were in evidence at the station along with several Blackbirds, a Robin, a gaggle of House Sparrows and a Dunnock.

Ravens ahoy

This morning there were 2 Ravens on the TV Mast being mobbed mercilessly by Magpies and Carrion Crows. A couple of groups of Starlings, Chaffinches and Greenfinches passed overhead.

Late news from the weekend - a Badger seen briefly at the usual spot on Saturday evening and a Jay at the railway path on Sunday along with several adult Harlequin Ladybirds, a Green Shieldbug and lots of Eristalis hoverflies.