River Cole, Hodge Hill.

I had another trip along a five mile stretch of the River Cole in the Hodge Hill area today.

Highlights were seeing a Kestrel being mobbed by c.30 Starling, a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by two Carrion Crow and seeing and hearing plenty of House Sparrow that always adorn this stretch of the River Cole, long may this location remain as one of their strongholds.

Birds seen today were Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Starling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Pied Wagtail and two Grey Heron flying overhead.

It was impossible to see what waterfowl were on the river what with the copious amounts of Himalayan Balsam still present but it's now thankfully dying back until next year.

Unfortunately there were hardly any apples or fruit on the trees and bushes, let's hope the winter isn't too harsh on our feathered friends.