A very wet month has provided less opportunities to watch wildlife, but changes are taking place.

Volunteers have been conducting our bird surveys recently, and they have recorded many swallows passing through. Wetland birds, such as snipe and water rail, are starting to build up in numbers, for the winter, Other summer visitors are still around, such as the hobby, but at the same time we've had out first sighting of one of our winter raptors in the last few days, the merlin. Now we wait for our first short-eared owls to arrive, satisfied with the occasional osprey passing through in the meantime.

Redwings, one of our winter thrushes, are also now appearing; it's time to listen out at night, for their 'seeping' calls as they pass overhead. As the shrubs bear fruit, these birds will be feasting on the berries. Blackcaps have been heading for the elderberries, and they will be joined by other species, working their way hedgerows, in the growing flocks. In the woodlands, if you listen carefully, you may even hear the calls of passing leaf warblers, such as yellow-browed warblers.

Moth trapping, in general, has not been very productive this year, and yet we have had some highlights. Whether it is migratory moth species or colonising water beetles, it is worth trapping in your own garden when you can, if you can get a break in the cold, wet weather that has characterised this year. If you do you might just encounter a great silver water beetle!

Butterflies and dragonflies are still on the wing, despite the appalling low numbers this year. In terms of dragonflies, watch out for migrant hawkers, the largest dragonfly on the wing now, and also common darters and the last damselflies to be around at this time of year, the willow emerald.

On sunny days, if you are fortunate to enjoy one, keep an eye out for insects and those hunting them. Additional stonechats join us at this time of year, joining late broods, some birds just passing through and others set to remain for the winter. If you spot them, we are keen to receive your photographs of the colour-ringed birds; as we continue to study their moments.

You can send me your sightings or other records and photographs of interest via this webpage.

Henry Stanier (Great Fen Monitoring & Research Officer)