Wednesday 29 October 2014


Sometimes a day comes around where everything falls right into place. After a week of rather dreary weather, today's bright sunshine and cool breeze invigorated the island, with quality birds found in every bush. The sheer amount of migration in action today made counting birds difficult and tiring, though without doubt one of the most enjoyable days of the year. I could carry on with superlatives for today but i feel the following haul does it most justice:

Ten Yellow-browed Warblers, six Siberian Chiffchaffs, one Red-breasted Flycatcher, and one Barred Warbler (new) were the standout birds of the day, though running close behind are four Woodlarks, two Black Redstarts, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, fiveRing Ouzels, one Stock Dove, one Hawfinch, one male Bullfinch (new for the year), one Treecreeper (new for the year), one Little Egret, one Firecrest, two House Sparrows, one Goldeneye (new for the year), and a Hobby (new for the year). 



In addition to above, an extremely late Whinchat frequented the Wetlands with two Jack Snipes, singles of Merlin and Buzzard flew over, and three Water Rails squeeled around the island. All these were recorded with 231 Skylarks, 91 Meadow Pipits, 34 Woodpigeons, two Grey Wagtails, eight 'alba' Wagtails, 99 Blackbirds, 37 Song thrushes, 20 Redwings, one Mistle Thrush, 11 Blackcaps, 46 Chiffchaffs, 58 Goldcrests, 595 Jackdaws, 48 Rooks, 83 Carrion Crows, two Hooded Crows, four Ravens, 680 Starlings, 455 Chaffinches, five Bramblings, 67 Greenfinches, 16 Siskins, 62 Goldfinches, 35 Linnets, two Lesser Redpolls, and 23 Reed Buntings.


 Jackdaws -595 were counted, but there could easily have been more
 The first Bullfinch of the year
 Good numbers of Blackcaps




 One of the Siberian Chiffchaffs from Nant

 ...and this one from the farm


Where it shared the Apple Tree with Golcrests (above) and 
the Red-breasted Flychatcher (below)

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