Manningford in the vale of Pewsey

I could almost smell Alfred's burnt cakes here in the kingdom Wessex,there was no sign of Ragnar Lothbrok's Vikings as we travelled through this pleasant land. Arriving at Manningford we tackled up and proceeded to fly fish for some Rainbows, the stream nearby held Brown trout and Grayling a harder prospect to catch. After a few hours I caught my quota.

Later I noted a pair of splendid Kingfishers as I walked the  river only a few chattering Fieldfares and the mewing of the Buzzard.

In pursuit of Esox Luscius

Today around 0800hrs Danny Gomm picked me up to go fishing .Pike fishing that is we set off for Inns lake right next door to Stockers bordering the River Colne.
It was a bit fresh a few coot and duck on the lack ,we were using deadbaits and soon a pike was showing interest in Danny's float or should l say bait. Nothing happened we were distracted by a Muncjac trying to get through the fence on to Springwell lane,however it did a u turn and swam  the whole length of the lake to the River Colne.

Danny got a phone shot of this unexpected event.We carried on fishing with no luck until we brought the lure rod in to action and I managed a 5lb fish on the far side of the lake.

A great day out as not been piking for a while thanks to Danny

The Scrape

Heres the new scrape lets hope it improves the quality of sightings we deserve.
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Afternoon surprise at Maple Lodge

well an afternoon stroll in autumnal sunshine to the lodge where Lewis gave me the heads up on what's about was enlightening.From Rotunda a green sandpiper and next door at the Double Decker a  shock .At last a scrape something for the members by the members and contractors well done to all.

Forty Wigeon on Lynsters farm ended the day.

Woodoaks Farm

A walk to the farm after the frost had melted was ideal ,met Chris had a chat told him I clocked fifty lapwing on the field then chatted about the gooners and spurs for a bit.  I then walked towards the dung heap and a dozen skylark took off. In the distance I saw a Stonechat which I stalked and got a few photos.

Walked back towards the old orchard where I noticed a buzzard thought it might have been Rough legged didn't get the white rump,heres a pic of it.

Super dooper Whooper

Well a phone call sent me to Stockers on a cold afternoon,so cold pauls phone died after the call.I made my way to the preachers pulpit dragging another birder with me .As we arrived all I got was the rear end of a Whooper disappearing in to the islands.Paul was sceptical thought they might have been Bewicks.However they appeared further down the lake
So we dashed to the causeway to find 8 Whooper swans all adults.

We rang all and sundry Joan Thomson arrived as did Lee Evans a good county record for all

Minsmere day trip

My old mate Dave Cole picked me up around 0700 hrs and we set off for Suffolk.Three hours later we arrived Dave don't do sat nav.
On arrival made our way through the bushes towards the beach ,colder sunny and a bit windy a few lingering swallows obliged.
From the beach noted a single Gannet,before arriving at the Scrape where some splendid Black tailed Godwits obliged.

Also here a variety of duck,we missed snow bunting at the Sluice,but arrived at the West Scrape noting a few Grey Plover and Redshank.
Outside the hide on mounds of earth a Stonechat obliged.
Moving on to the Bittern and Island Mere hide several Marsh Harriers entertained us sporadically ,we missed the Otter by 10 minutes .

Although two female deer did not escape us as they grazed between the Phragmites.

Disappointngly we also missed a Waxwing due to member of staffs incompetence,all it took was one word as he dashed past us,fortunately his female counterpart cried waxwing 5 mins later ,it was only few yards away we missed it by seconds.

A lovely autumnal day was not over as a chilli jacket served for lunch at Minsmere caused an unavoidable stop as I was crippled up with abdominal pain .Thanks for the experience.