Monday 10 October 2011

October 10th 2011

With 20 Skylark, a few Meadow Pipits and 20 Redwing over the garden after first light I was hoping for more visible migration at the pond but by mid morning the wind was so strong it tapered off.
A really battle to stay upright but the only new arrival was a juvenile Arctic Tern which arrived mid-morning while Black Tern, Little Stint, and 4 Rock Pipit remained along with 4 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover plus a few Meadow Pipits and Reed Bunting on farborough bank.
Overhead 40 Skylark, 12 Siskin and 16 Redwing went south and a single House Martin and Swallow appeared briefly before 5 more Swallow arrived but they did not stay long. Other sightings included 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker in country park, 4 Raven over biggen bay, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Bob did his usual lap adding Ruff and 3 Goosander to the day list.

The state of her feathers shows the effect of todays wind on this female Goosander - Bob Hazel.

I tried for the Short-eared Owl at Brandon Marsh but had to give up on that silly idea as the wind gusted over 50mph on Lawford Heath and I ended up cycling backwards - managed a brief view of Stonechat by the quarry entrance with 7 Golden Plover and 45 Redwing west before turning back.

The last two nights have been good for moths - nothing special from the 25 species recorded, Bob took a fancy to this Angle Shades.


Richard

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