26th October 2022

Weather: SE force 5, rain showers, later SW 6

The weather seemed not sure what to do this morning with rain showers early and then sunny intervals with a rainbow.

A Redwing was found in the net in the new obs garden, there had been 9 records of birds calling over before sunrise. Several Blackbirds were on the island and one was also caught for ringing.

A skylark, 2 Starlings, 2 Chaffinches and a Siskin came through and later in the afternoon a male Blackcap was caught in the SK, followed by a new Blackbird. Highlight of the waders was the first Purple Sandpiper of the winter at the north end (below with Turnstone), there will hopefully be many more to arrive very shortly.

The supporting cast of waders included 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 32 Ringed Plover, 50 Turnstone, 110 Dunlin, 40 Redshank and 1 Grey Plover. The increasing wind brought some sea birds inshore, there were 7 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Common Scoter, a single late Sandwich Tern and 10 Gannets. 

Eighty seven auks were logged, 7 of them being definite Razorbills. At the end of the day 95 Brent had been seen, also 13 Shelduck and a Wigeon, but only singles of Little Egret and Grey Heron.

The Kestrel was still here, and a late Red Admiral butterfly was out and about.
Ringed : 1 Redwing, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Blackcap.

Photos: JE & AS