9th October 2023

 Weather: SSW force 1, later NE 1

Just a single Chiffchaff today which disappeared after a short while, there were 8 Goldcrests howeverin the paddocks although none was caught for ringing. Migrant of the day was a female Blackcap which was first seen feeding at the north end and was later in a mist net in the obs garden at the south end of the island.

More Reed Buntings showed up today, another 5 after 4 yesterday, also another scatter of 14 Skylarks were calling over as they passed, and a small passage of Meadow Pipits came through. A single Grey Wagtail and 5 Pied Wagtails were observed. Linnet flocks of 6 and 30 flew around the island.

 

 A Siskin called over and 6 Goldfinches came down to feed on the grasses.

Ducks and geese played a big part today with the Brent peaking at 147, while 19 Wigeon flew north, 3 Pintail also arrived briefly and Shelduck were counted at 26. Our now reliable Eiders featured with 7 immature/female types and a single adult drake.

The sea was surprisingly productive, possibly because the calm sea allowed distant birds to be seen. There were 32 Red-throated Divers, 18 Guillemots, 18 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Razorbills, 8 Gannets and 80 Common Scoter. A Comma which is scarce here was the only butterfly seen in flight. This last season has seen more frogs around than normal.

Waders were scarce at the very low tide but there were good counts of 117 Redshank and 270 Curlew. 

Just 9 Little Egrets were in the gutter and 2 Grey Herons roosted on the west cliff on Middle. The Kestrel was the sole raptor.

Photos AS, SRW