Autumn giving way to winter

 After the excitement of the Woodpigeon movements last week with a record count of just under 188k from Ramsley on the 4th it has been much quieter this week, the pigeon numbers are back to a few hundred a day. Although there are still the occasional skeins of Pink-footed Geese it feels like autumn is well and truly over. 

The only thing that stops it feeling like winter is the temperature which is still hitting the late teens during the day and staying above ten at night. 

For the past few years Red Kites have largely disappeared from the area by late September and don't start to be seen regularly again until February but this year I'm still seeing them more or less daily as we approach the middle of November. Not sure if this is weather related but I can only assume it's to do with food availability.

Red Kite carrying a food item

The river levels have risen to a more usual level and I'm starting to hear the song of the Dipper more regularly as they have established their winter territories. 

Dipper

There is still a chance of something interesting turning up and Red-flanked Bluetail on the Cromford just north of Ambergate on 4th November was a reminder of how unpredictable birdwatching can be. Sadly, it has not been seen since but could reappear.