by Greg Lee
A drop in the winds today which made for a good change across the island. This led to a good increase in visible migration of passerines over the island with the first four-figure count of Chaffinches this autumn with a couple of Bramblings, 50 Siskins, two Snow Buntings and singles of Grey Wagtail, Lapland Bunting and Greenfinch joining these numbers. The bushes were a little bit quieter with the lingering Eastern-type Lesser Whitethroat at the Quarries and six each of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest with a Woodcock also flushed in Millcombe. At least two Merlins were seen across the island, presumably enjoying the steady influx of prey-items. Offshore there was a strong collection of seabirds with a couple of of hundred Auks, 79 Kittiwakes and 82 Gannets, a sight that has been scarce so far this autumn. A pair of Teal seen by Thomas at Pondsbury included a potentially interesting bird, if it lingers it will need some close analysis.
Teal at Pondsbury by T.Weston
With a change in the direction of the winds, conditions are looking good for an increase in visible migration towards the end of the month, but we shall see what happens!