'Swanee' makes a welcome return

By Renee Hockley-Byam BBC Essex

'Swanee' has returned to the River Blackwater with his new mate

Renee Hockley-Byam is the nature expert for BBC Essex; she is keeping a weekly diary recording the changing season.

In her latest instalment, she comes face-to-face with a particularly friendly local swan.

'Swanee', as the young cob is known, is a regular sight along the River Blackwater near Bradwell and this autumn has female company with him.

"She was initially quite shy, but quickly lost her fear. A few handfuls of corn soon does the trick!" she said.

Week Four

Saturday 24, October

No shortage of rain today!

I quite enjoy a walk in the rain when it is not cold, so it was off to Marks Hall at Coggeshall and at last the sounds of rutting deer could be heard deep in the woodland.

Definitely two fallow bucks grunting and bellowing and lots of skittish does flitting about through the trees.

Late October brought vivid autumnal colours to Marks Hall

As the rain eased off a visit to the arboretum was next on the agenda to see the glorious autumn colours.

Well worth a visit! And as a bonus there was a small group of female and juvenile crossbills by the brook.

So lucky to see them, because they spend most of their time feeding high in conifers.

The female looks similar to a greenfinch, but with that distinctive crossed bill and brownish wings; the males are red and I would love to see one close up.

They took off with their characteristic kip-kip-kip flight call.

It was the RSPB's Feed the Birds Day - really just to make people aware of what they can do to help birds through the winter.

I keep the feeders in my garden topped up all year because I love to watch the birds, particularly the tits and finches, but it's not really necessary as there is plenty of food available for them in the wild!

Sunday, 25 October

Went to Stebbing today to check out some damage to a badger sett.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles have been driving all over the badger entrances, causing them to collapse which can lead to badgers being trapped underground and possibly suffocate.

Reported the incident to Police Wildlife Crime Officer, but unless they are caught in the act I am not sure what can be done.

A young pricket walks in Stebbing, oblivious to Renee's presence

Saw a beautiful fox strolling along with the sun glinting off its shiny red coat.

Then we were amazed to see a lone fallow pricket (first year male) start walking towards us seemingly oblivious of our presence.

He was blinded by the strong sun in his eyes and was just a few feet away before he suddenly caught our scent and turned to run away - quite funny!

Wednesday, 28 October

Living here beside the River Blackwater I was pleased to see an old friend was visiting - 'Swanee' - a very friendly and fairly young cob (male).

He has been around a couple of years now, eating out of my hand and being unafraid of my dog, but I have not seen him for some months.

He brought with him his new mate, an immature pen (female) who was initially quite shy, but quickly lost her fear. A few handfuls of corn soon does the trick!

Mallard duck numbers are building up too at the corn feeder in my garden.

Thursday, 29 October

Lots of reports about ladybirds in houses - I have had quite a few myself.

So I am off to see John Hall at Essex Wildlife Trust to record a Nature Trail for next week to find out why, and also to discover more about the harlequin invaders.