Inland North Minileague - October 2015

Ainderby Steeple continues to lead the way in the comparative minileague with Pink-footed Goose and Peregrine this months additions. Nick's lead grows as Steven Ward is marooned on 111% - nothing new for him since his garden Merlin. Nick Tonge and Keith Dickinson also failed to make any progress in a very static top of the table. New joinees of the 100% club this month are Mark Reeder and Jonathan Scragg who both sit squarely on the 100% mark thanks to Short-eared Owl and Crossbill respectively.

There was nothing new for Darren at Fairburn Ings this month and we havent heard from Garry Taylor so it is up to Andy Bunting to provide the impetus up front as he adds 6 points including Bewick's Swan at Martin Mere. Mark Langston is up three spots into 6th with Andy Walker sinking down to 8th. Paul Massey climbs four places from 13th into 9th largely thanks to a self-found Pectoral Sandpiper which is definitely the highlight this month. Several patches recorded the first Bramblings of the autumn with birds seen at Whitwell Quarry, Wheldrake Ings and Wykeham Lakes. Mike Pilsworth's fortunes improved at Swinefleet with a brace of Spoonbills and 9000 Pink-feet and patch-ticking Ring-necked Parakeet.

Short-eared Owl - Mark Reeder