Visible Migration

Black Redstart

Brent Goose

Fieldfare

Goldcrest

Grey Phalarope

Redwing

Snow Bunting

Yellow-browed Warbler

A typical October selection. The annual influx of Thrushes, Robins, Coal Tits, Short-eared Owls, Goldcrests , Woodcock  and Treecreepers is well advanced now. A few scarce birds mixed in with them but the wet and windy weather makes finding them difficult.

Northern Treecreepers, Northern Bullfinches and Continental Coal Tits mixed in with our normal British Race birds. The only candidates I saw this year were a pair of Bullfinches. The female showing a typical saw-edged white wing bar on its upper edge. The pair immediately striking to look at and very chunky, however, I don't think I saw enough to claim them as definite 'northern' race.

 

Autumn

Brambling

Grey Plover

Large White

Redwing

Small Copper 

Well it is here. A warm week but now the weather is about right for early Autumn. There has been a mass arrival of Red Admiral Butterflies, Best year for Commas for me at least. The sudden cold snap might put an end to the butterfly season.

Typical arrivals of Redwing and Bramblings. Small flocks of Whoopers and a few tantalising reports of smaller birds. One of my highlights was the grounding of dozens of Goldcrests and Meadow Pipits. Great fun sifting through them as they fed but sadly nothing unusual.

6 Cranes headed south yesterday. I was in prime position but as always they decided to drift inland before reaching me, Boo Hoo.

Spotted Redshank