With a cold front moving through last night it was with no great surprise that a fresh arrival of migrants had arrived, and at long last a very good movement of birds overhead, the highlight of which was an
Ortolan Bunting moving west at 06.50, calling continuously as it went. Despite hearing the call early, it took an age to come into view, and helpfully it didn't plough through, but circled a couple of times, although despite rushing to the phone for a sound recording, it then decided to head my way where the camera took over.
Siskins were also evident as they moved over in small flocks, the first of the autumn and quite early. Grounded migrants consisted of a decent number of
Pied Flycatchers, with a maximum of 8 on my circuit, but as to where the other 14 went I have no idea, but Pieds are well known for moving through quickly on migration, and I was in the wrong place and wrong time for this. Still, a very good species list today highlighting one of the better mornings so far this autumn.
Totals are:
Yellow Wagtail - 36 E
Reed Bunting - 2 W
Chiffchaff - 13
Whinchat - 7
Wheatear - 8
Ortolan Bunting - 1 1w/fem W at 06.50
Siskin - 36 E
Whitethroat - 11
Willow Warbler - 11
Tree Pipit - 2 W
Grey Wagtail - 6 E
Blackcap - 60
Snipe - 1 E
Golden Plover - 1 W
Reed Warbler - 7
Pied Flycatcher - 8
Spotted Flycatcher - 2
Lesser Whitethroat - 3
Redstart - 3
Meadow Pipit - ca 200 W
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Ortolan Bunting over Seaford Head
(my third in in three years here)
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| Grey Wagtail over |
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a couple of Pied Flycatchers
this morning
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| Reed Warbler in Hope Bottom |
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| Redstart at South Hill Barn |
