18th October 2021

Weather: SE force 4,  heavy  rain late morning.

Arrival before dawn gave the opportunity to watch for the Barn Owl hunting, but despite half an hour in the dark members were disappointed that it did not appear. It was not seen yesterday either, so it could have finally departed the island, time will tell. 

In the last few days we have complained how scarce finches have been this autumn, well this morning it all changed and finches were the dominant feature of the visit. Several flocks of Chaffinches came through south against the strong wind, and although they did not tarry they were flying low over the island. There were over 70 Chaffinches in total and then two flocks of 5 and then 4 Siskins. Three Redwings had gone through soon after dawn and parties of 2, 8 and 7 Starlings moved south later. Two Skylarks calling were fewer than of late. A dedicated sea watch produced some good records, there were 80 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Gannets, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Guillemots and 10 Razorbills. A by-product of the sea watch were 2 Wigeon and the sighting of 3 Harbour Porpoise. During the high tide 70 Redshank and 45 Turnstone were roosting in Niffy Bay. At the same time while some were watching the sea, others at the obs were treated to a lengthy display by 3 Ravens over the south end and on Middle. The rain relented by noon but a trip around the paddocks confirmed that the movements earlier had ceased and no birds were grounded.

On departing the island it was obvious that a fishing trip had come to an abrupt halt on the reef. RNLI had attended.

Photos CJ,SRW & Rob Bithell.