5th September 2012

Chiffchaff



Stonechat



With the wind stuck in the north west again hopes were not high for any migration this morning, so the first Chiffchaff of the autumn was a pleasant surprise together with about 6 Willow Warblers, four of which travelled together down the sheltered east side of the island. The 2 Wheatears seen were also taking advantage of the gardens away from their usual habitat on the open ground on the west side. Best bird of the day was a Stonechat found initially in the paddocks and showing frequently perched on the bungalow fences etc. A flock of 40 House Martins erupted from the east side gutter and disappeared although 1 or 2 more passed with a Sand Martin and 32 Swallows. Terns were well down in numbers with only a dozen or so Sandwich and about 100 Common on the shore. A brief sea watch was unproductive with no Skuas or Gannets showing and just a single Razorbill on the sea, although 62 Sanderling flew by in small groups. Two Whimbrel were noted and 6 bar-tailed Godwits fed in the flooding gutter before the tide but there was no sign of the 2 early arrival Brent which have been seen from Friday and over the weekend.

Ringed:- 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff            [ 942-29 ]

Wheatear



Bar-tailed Godwit

(AAB,CJ,KMc+Stewart +2,DCT,PT+Val,NDW+2)