Conyer Creek, 19th October 2026, report by Anne McGregor, photographs by Anne McGregor and Caroline Johnston.

The rescheduling actually worked very well as on Monday the weather was dry and relatively pleasant, whereas on Wednesday the wind and rain would probably have put us off completely.

The tide was low and the mudbanks lined with thousands of Wigeon together with lesser numbers of Mallards, Teal and Shelduck. Waders were less in evidence, with just a few Curlew, Oystercatchers, Avocets, Grey Plovers, Godwits, Redshanks, Turnstones and Dunlin.

The scrub was ablaze with berries and golden leaves – Hawthorn, enormous rosehips and masses of dark blue Sloes glowing amongst their pink and yellow leaves. Winter thrushes were yet to arrive, but Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Stonechat, Dunnocks, Robins galore, Cetti’s. Blue Great and Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit were amongst those seen.

Raptors were in short supply: one Buzzard, one Marsh Harrier, two Sparrowhawks – one scrapping with a Rook – one Kestrel and, almost certainly but disappearing fast, an Osprey!

Green and Great  Spotted Woodpeckers called and showed, Great Crested and Little Grebes, Grey Heron and Little Egrets were seen and we enjoyed seeing a dozen or so Cattle Egrets amongst the cattle.

Few insects were on the wing except Wasps on the Ivy, but Common Darters were still busy reproducing.

A very enjoyable day with good company and nearly 60 bird species recorded.

Rosehips, by Anne McGregor

Reed Bunting by Caroline Johnston

Robin by Caroline Johnston

Sloes by Anne McGregor