The cold snap only lasted a couple of days into November, then we had a very mixed spell of weather with gales, rain and some sunshine over the next week or so.
As the influx of redwing and fieldfare continued along the estuary, we were also treated to a rare sighting of waxwings feeding when a flock of fifteen descended onto recently planted rowan trees. Early this month there was more work done along the footpath between Newburgh and the county burn, this included adding a turning head at the far end of the path, and there were a few seats also added at strategic viewing areas along the route for the benefit of those who use them.
More seats have also been added to other locations on the other side of the river. There was a lot clearing up to be done along the old net green this month after a combination of big tides and westerly winds left the usual mixture of driftwood and rubbish. Chainsaws were used to cut the bigger stuff up before clearing up began.
Another job undertaken this month was the annual grubbing of the beaches, this is a worthwhile job that seems to be appreciated by the redshanks, whose numbers are around the hundred mark just now, which is more than double this time last year. It is good to see first hand the difference these jobs can make to the wildlife in the area.
There was a spell off good weather(after the frost had lifted) that gave us the chance for more planting along the river banks, this month saw hundreds of native bluebell bulbs being put into the ground at various locations. There was a good covering of snow on the 23rd but it was short lived with a thaw on by late pm on the same day.
With the weather turning colder towards the end of the month the bird feeding stations in the wood are busy with an array of smaller birds visiting them, and out on the riverside the swans and ducks are taking advantage of a daily feed of grain.
After a two year absence we were re-visited by a mute swan with the orange ring 3CLS which put in an appearance at feeding time along with the other swans, but it had moved on by the next day. The month drew to a close with a colder unsettled spell of weather and the river running just a little above summer level.
