Late Swallows pass through

26th October 2011 – sunny spells SE4/5/6
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 35 Blackbird, 15 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 3 Mistle Thrush, while other sightings included 8 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch
Diurnal Migration
Despite the continued wind birds were on the move with 280 Starling, 220 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 44 Chaffinch, 30 Tree Sparrow, 24 Greenfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Swallow and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Rock Pipit, Brambling and Siskin logged.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail continues to squeal and at least one Short-eared Owl remains.
Ringing
The ringing team achieved two milestones during the day ringing the 1000th bird for the month and 3000th bird for the year – the first time in the observatory’s history that either of these landmarks have been achieved.
Moths
The Satellite, Brick, Silver Y, Angle Shades and Dark Chestnut were all attracted to the moth trap overnight – the latter being the first for the island.
Images
Lesser Redpoll, Dark Chestnut and Short-eared Owl.