Monday 9th October - a quieter day with light diurnal migration

Tim, Tim and James report a much quieter day, with very little visible migration first thing, compared with Sunday, but picked up for a few hours mid-late morning with a definite turnover of birds. Observations included: Cormorant 8 south, Grey Heron 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Water Rail 7, Merlin 2, Goldcrest 50, Firecrest 1, Swallow 250, House Martin 70, Chiffchaff 13, Willow Warbler 5 (an unusually high count for Oct), Blackcap 30, Ring Ouzel 1, Redwing (first of the autumn) 4 in Millcombe, Blackbird 20, Song Thrush 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 32, Stonechat 8, Dunnock 13, Grey Wagtail 1, Pied Wagtail 8, Meadow Pipit 150, Linnet 150, Redpoll 2, Goldfinch 130, Siskin 19, Crossbill 1 in Millcombe late morning, Reed Bunting 4 (1 Quarters, 1 Millcombe, 2 over lower East Side path).

Six Common Dolphins were off Rat Island.

Late news for Sunday 8th was a 1st-winter Turtle Dove (photo below by Julian Arkell) on the main track north of the village.

First-winter Turtle Dove. © Julian Arkell