A quieter day to hail the arrival of October, a month that has potential to be very exciting in the British birding calendar, with strong winds, thick cloud and a healthy dousing of rain during the early morning. Of note, despite the sea being nearly bereft of any movement, a pair of Pintails were spotted heading south amongst a flock of Teals, with three of the latter species also enjoying the Wetlands alongside a Wigeon. Robins and Goldcrests numbers continue to dwindle in the strong southerlies with 24 and 42 still lingering in the bushes along with six Chiffchaffs and a single Willlow Warbler. Two Blue Tits and a single Coal Tit were most likely earlier arrivals that are waiting for a break in the weather, the latter bird being seen in various locations across the island during the day. Singles of Firecrest and Spotted Flycatcher also remained at Nant and the Water Rail continued to squeal, occasionally giving away its presence in the rank vegetation. The Siberian Lesser Whitethroat also remained in Cristin Withy, where the thick cover reduced the gusts of the wind enough for various small birds to glean insect prey from the leaves. Singles of House Martin and Swallow off the North End were our first Hirundines for a couple of days, many watchpoints on the South Coast have been reporting some large movements in the past week, so it is likely only a few stragglers will be passing through Bardsey from now onwards.

Turnstone (C) Greg Lee

13 Turnstones on Solfach was a healthier count though still down whilst Snipes were flushed from the South End and the Wetlands. Six Curlews and five Whimbrels remained conspicuous and a Grey Heron was rather mobile during the day.