Thursday 13 October 2011

13th October 2011




Lots of visible migration today as the wind backed to the south east again. Meadow Pipits went
through throughout the day and were estimated at about 330, also 15 Pied Wagtails, 22 Skylarks, 7 Starlings, 8 Chaffinches (above), 2 Greenfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, a Siskin, a Redwing overhead Middle, another late Wheatear (middle right) and a smart looking male Lesser Redpoll (left). Eight Goldcrests filtered through and many were still present in the afternoon as was a fine male Stonechat that dropped in to the trapping area mid-morning and was ringed (top left). Four raptor species visited the island today starting with a Sparrowhawk that stayed a while, followed by a Merlin, 2 Peregrines, a Kestrel, also an unexpected visit by a Raven that touched down briefly after appearing at the south end (right). The Kestrel no doubt appreciated the very large number of field Voles that seem to be present in the grassy areas at the moment. The members who dedicated themselves to a sea watch (unfortunately not the photographer) were rewarded with the sight of a juvenile Pomarine Skua taking fish off a Great Black-backed Gull and later a Bonxie gave a good show off the north end. The list of sea birds included 23 gannets, 18 Great Crested Grebes,2 Red-throated Divers,61 Common Scoter, 1 Kittiwake, 20 Guillemots and a Razorbill (left). The only wildfowl logged were 5 Brent and a single Wigeon. A Little Egret arrived in the afternoon and brought the species total for the day to 52. Ringed :- 6 Goldcrests, 1 Stonechat, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 1 Robin.
(CJ,CS+RB,KMc,et al) [890-43] photos CJ

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