Saturday14th November

The weather is worsening. Another cycle ride in the Thornhill area was largely an exercise in dodging floods and debris as the weather has been very wet and remained so eight miles North of Dumfries in
either direction As a result there was nothing to report beyond one or two glimpses of the usual finch suspects and a greater spotted woodpecker on someone's feeder. Not a single bird of prey to be seen.

Droids in Nithsdale?

There was however one unusual sighting as it appears that the village of Park hes been invaded by a patrol of extra-terrestrial farming droids, who seemed much happier with the prevailing conditions than I was.

Today on the way back from the Chemist's there were half a dozen long-tailed tits and a couple of male greenfinches in the young trees on the far side of the road, which was heartening after long absences in either case.  It goes to show you don't always have to go a long way to see something interesting.

I had hoped there would still be a few butterflies around in view of the warm temperatures but there has been no sun.  The last one I saw was a red admiral in the garden on 2nd November.

Sunday 8th November

During a fairly busy week managed to slot in a bike ride from Ae village up to Durisdeer and back via Thornhill and Auldgirth. Unfortunately there was consistent mist and a lot of mizzle so there was no need for my polaroid clip-ons, which of course I had with me precisely when they were of no use
whatsoever.

Reception Committee

There were some notable gatherings of chaffinches, gradually building into their flocks for the winter when they will be seen in considerable numbers. Up on the moors there were a few pipits about but nothing more when I paused at the summit, apart from the obvious disapproval of the members of the local Conservative Club who do not like intruders. After that I paused briefly at Morton Pond, wondering what the fishing is like these days. Overall lots of green vegetation still, but lots of mud on road and bike.

On the way back there was a strange occurence when I disturbed a brownish bird in the hedgerow.  It made to fly in front of the bike but realised it hadn't the time. Quick as a flash it doubled back and dived straight through the front and back wheels right underneath my feet as they pedalled along at around 12 mph. Understandably there is no photographic evidence and I doubt if anything like it will ever happen again. I think it was a sparrow.

Also just managing to evade the camera was a male blackcap that briefly turned up in the low trees at the back of my neighbour's garden. That one must have been lost as well as late, I thought. However it seems that Blackcaps are starting to overwinter in the UK, so who knows.

Monday 2nd November

Yesterday took advantage of some dry if overcast and misty weather to cycle down past Caerlaverock and the Nith estuary.  I was looking for egrets or hopefully a salmon going over the caul in Dumfries, but saw neither. It's a pity about the salmon.  After thirty years plus living in the town, I still haven't seen them leap the caul.  I've seen them resting further upstream and splashing around waiting for the chance to go up, but haven't seem them jump.  It's possibly too late this year and maybe altogether.  I may not be here next year at this time.

One the way down to Caerlaverock there was a goldcrest playing in one of the roadside trees though I never got to see the head stripe in the dull light. At the estuary there was the statutory flock of barnacle geese, proving you don't have to go to a reserve to see them. I also saw a few curlew and lapwing wading at low tide.

Distant Barnacle Geese

Then I saw some much larger waders with the curlew-shaped beak, which puzzled a bit as they could have been nothing else but curlew. The beak shape was unmistakeable so I suppose it's possible the first couple were whimbrel. That would seem a bit unlikely as they are only passage birds but it is the right time of year.

The usual goosanders were busy fishing at the caul.

Once home there was a red admiral flying over the patio. More remarkable was what made it's way into the house on the cat's back on Friday.  This fellow (below) is definitely the smallest garden snail I've ever seen. I assume that all baby snails start off that small!

Snail