View From Lin Dike HideThe group numbering 13 was capably led for the day by Stuart who also did the driving. This was his final outing of the year before departing for the sunshine of South Africa. The original plan had been to visit Wheldrake Ings Nature reserve, however the conditions there were dry with little birding interest. Fairburn Ings proved to be an excellent choice for birds, berries, fungi and all else. The weather conditions were variable - sometimes breezy but sunny with good visibility and no rain. 
Tree SparrowThe ducks seemed to be enjoying the conditions on the main lake - Coot, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted ducks and Gadwall were seen in good numbers as well as Mute swans, Greylag and Canada geese. Willow Tit and Kingfisher were seen from the viewing screens. Goldfinch, Tree sparrow, Greenfinch were using the feeders, while Siskin and Redwing were viewed in the trees. A total of 38 bird species were seen on the day, a good haul.
Following lunch the party divided into two groups, five stayed in the vicinity of the visitors centre while seven "The Magnificent Seven" named by John departed in the minibus for Lin Dike. The highlight species for the day was seen through the scope resting in the sunshine on a branch of a pylon - a Peregrine.
Shaggy Parasol
Other species spotted were Cormorant, Shoveler, Shelduck and Curlew. Notable botanical species (some plants were still in flower) were Hop and Button weed, an alien plant also seen at Waters Edge country park.The fungi group were equally delighted with their finds of the day including a family of Earth Balls, Brown Rollrim, Wood Blewitt, Peeling oysterling, Shaggy Parasol, Brown Birch Bolete, Small Stagshorn to name a few. Several Brown Hawker dragonflies were seen along the path. The finale for the day was a slice of Margaret's apple and ginger cake made from a recipe provided by Julia using apples from the Community orchard. Thanks to Stuart and others for giving us a highly enjoyable autumnal day out.
Margaret