A lovely late-autumn morning for the second flush count of the season. A total of 80 snipe flushed: as last month, well up on the numbers counted at the same time in the past three winters. Â The breakdown was 4 in Hay Meadow (close to Cromwell’s Pond), 21 in School Pond (principally on the northern side) and 55 in Big Meadow. There have been intermittent reports of snipe in the Flora fields (including 3 flushed up in West Field on 24 October as part of the reserve inspection). But today these fields yielded none. Ditto Upper Sowerholme.
A group of chaffinch flew over School Pond and three meadow pipits were noted in the adjacent LGGS Field. About 12 teal, both male and female, took off as we approached Alder Pond.