Monday 31 October 2016

Very little could live up to the feast of migrants we had yesterday, but a good variety of birds was still recorded today. The winds were still coming predominantly from the north east, with only a speed of around 5-10mph. The sun shone nicely throughout the day too, making for a pleasant day of census.

Among the usual raptors were a Buzzard, Kestrel and Merlin today, hunting across the island, scouring the undergrowth for any signs of life. As it was, there was plenty to choose from. Five Water Rails, were once again heard in the Withies, scuttling around the deepest of vegetation, only given away by the occasional “squeal”. A Golden Plover was seen briefly past the North End. Whilst other wader totals were made up by two Jack Snipes, two Common Snipes and a Woodcock flushed from Pen Cristin in the evening.

Skylarks were still moving through, with an impressive 94 logged today along with a lone Grey Wagtail. Some thrushes were still about, migrating through or feeding, a total of 24 Blackbirds, six Fieldfare, 27 Song Thrushes and 49 Redwings were seen. Warblers were much the same, with four Blackcaps, three Yellow-browed Warblers, five Chiffchaffs, one Willow Warbler and 15 Goldcrests recorded across the island. A Blue Tit was present at the observatory, and a Hooded Crow flew through the Lowlands with the other corvids.

Yellow-browed Warbler

Finches were also still on the move, 123 Chaffinches, nine Brambling, two Greenfinches, four Siskins, a Lesser Redpoll and three Bullfinches were around the island and four Reed Buntings were seen flying overhead.

A nice male Bullfinch in Nant Withy

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