Sunday 6 November 2016

Though the end of the wardening season draws ever closer a new rush of birds overhead provided some late excitement. Starlings were most numerous with 439, mostly heading northwards, whilst 124 Chaffinches, one Brambling, one Greenfinch, three Siskins, and 14 Goldfinches added some diversity.

A new arrival of Blackbirds tallied to 23 present, including 13 at Cristin alone. The consistent passage of Blackbirds through Bardsey this autumn has been particularly noticeable. Ringing has shown that many birds are only present for a day or two at most before a new wave of birds take their place. Around 150 have been ringed in just the last few weeks, much higher than in recent years. Other thrushes filtering through include three Fieldfares, six Song Thrushes, and two Redwings.

A Dark-bellied Brent Goose heading north off Pen Cristin was the first record of this Russian form this year, other wildfowl included a Wigeon in Traeth Ffynnon and a Common Scoter heading past offshore. Further scrutiny of the sea revealed two Mediterranean Gulls amongst 78 Black-headed Gulls, and similarly 14 Guillemots amongst 378 Razorbills.

Last stragglers lingering on the island include two Sparrowhawks, two Buzzards, one Water Rail, one female Blackcap, two Goldcrests, one Blue Tit, and the female Bullfinch at Cristin.

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