13th October 2025

Weather: ESE force 4    later NNE 2      mist around the estuary.

At about 1030hrs something disturbed the 30 Linnet on the south end and landed noisily in the Pittospurum, a Sparrowhawk was hoped for but it turned out to be a Great Spotted Woodpecker, it flew off northwards but was later to be seen on the 'bunker'.

Great Spotted Woodpecker is almost a rarity on the islands, they are recorded less than once a year although early October is often the most likely time for one to appear. Three Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch and a single Greenfinch passed through and 2 male Blackcaps fed on Honrysuckle berries in the Obs garden.

Skylark passing overhead totalled 26, on the island were 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Starling, a few more Wren (12) and Robin (10) than of late and a Stonechat.

 

 A Raven showed up as they often do nowadays.

 

Unusually a group of 4 Dunnock came down near the Obs for a while, then a single turned up later.

The arrival of Dunnocks a few years ago would not have surprised anyone but they are now very scarce visitors. There were 2 Song Thrush on the island and a Redwing in the garden early morning. By the time the tide began to flood the day had brightened so it was a surprise when a second Redwing and 3 Fieldfare turned up, our first of autumn (Redwing photo through Obs window).

 

A pair of Eider was here, also 225 Brent, 54 Shelduck and 8 Wigeon came in with the tide. There were the usual waders and singles of Sandwich and Common Tern on the East Hoyle. All in all it was a great birdful autumn day.

Photos AS