Pink-footed Geese stream through and the first Whooper Swan of the autumn appears

1st October 2009 - bright and sunny N1/2
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with observations producing just small numbers of Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Again Chiffchaff were the only obvious newly arrived birds with five birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
A combination of clear conditions and a light northerly breeze saw the skies come alive. Southbound passage (0800-1100) was dominated by Pink-footed Geese with 33 skeins totalling 4050 birds logged - one of the heaviest day passage totals ever witnessed over the island. The movement was also complemented with a varied selection of passerines including 1100 Meadow Pipit, 220 Skylark, 140 Swallow, 55 alba Wagtail, 40 Linnet, 27 Chaffinch, 20 Grey Wagtail, 17 Carrion Crow, 15 Reed Bunting, 3 Siskin, 2 Raven and single Tree Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll along with the first Whooper Swan of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail squealed to reveal its presence.
Dragonflies
Two Migrant Hawker were logged.
Butterflies
A few Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell were on the wing in the warm morning sunshine.