Hugh’s News – 11 October 2023

It is difficult to believe that dragonflies and butterflies such as this Red Admiral were enjoying the sunshine just a few days ago.

Looking out of my window at the grey, drizzly weather as I type this, it would seem that summer has finally ended. Temperatures are due to drop significantly by the weekend.  We will see how quickly we progress from autumn to winter!

Birds are already starting to return to my garden in larger numbers – they must sense the colder weather coming! Goldfinches are arriving in small flocks – they only came in ones or twos over the last month.  There is a regular Wood Pigeon underneath the feeders looking for any spillage.

Pink-feet Geese numbers continue to build, making a great sight in the morning and evening.  The first Redwings and Fieldfares winter thrushes have been reported on Wirral, so make sure you scan those berry-laden bushes.  I have noticed several, normally shy Jays busily gathering acorns to sustain themselves over winter.  Wader numbers are still increasing on the coast, including Black-tailed Godwits that have flown here from their breeding sites in Iceland.

There have been two sub-adult Cormorants for several weeks on Roodee Mere in Royden Park.  They must have more success catching fish than the anglers I see there!

We are in the main fungi season, and I found these impressive Shaggy Ink Caps on Heswall Golf Course. Hopefully they won’t be mowed before they’ve spored. 

Hugh