Good Start to November

 The month started off well with the juvenile Osprey giving excellent views at the Mere. The local Marsh Harriers have taken against it though and the last few times I've seen the Osprey it has been mobbed by up to 4 Marsh Harriers and prevented from fishing.

It's obviously managing to feed OK though as it has been seen eating fish in the trees on the north side.

Osprey and Marsh Harrier

Osprey showing its impressive wing span

Osprey

Osprey and Marsh Harrier

Cream crown Marsh Harrier over north reed bed

Marsh Harriers taking a break from Osprey hassling

Continuing the good start to the month, yesterday we had some rare visitors in the form of 3 Ring-necked Ducks. Apparently this is the most that has ever been seen at any one time in Yorkshire. Distant photos unfortunately, but views through the scope were better.

2 of the 3 Ring-necked Ducks off 1st field

Whooper Swans have been seen regularly over the Mere, but they don't stay long even if they land. We had 45 this morning on the water off Heslop's but they only stayed for about 20 minutes - calling constantly all the time they were here.

On 31 October I was watching the Osprey when a cloud burst arrived and with it the wonderful sight of a rainbow (or two).

A sight worth getting wet for

The Osprey in its favoured tree on the north side

Luckily Shovelers have long necks otherwise preening would be impossible

Teal off KP