17th October 2009 - bright and sunny/early frost/calm
Offshore
Sightings over calm seas on the falling tide were led by a Great Northern Diver. Also seen were 22 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill and single Guillemot and pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Grounded Migrants
The first throes of dawn saw thrushes again dominating with 145 Redwing, 55 Blackbird, 12 Song Thrush, 4 Fieldfare and a Ring Ouzel logged, however many quickly moved on as the sun rose. The only additional direct evidence of truly grounded birds involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The bright and clear conditions with little wind again saw birds on the move and totals (0800-1030) included: 450 Jackdaw, 195 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Starling, 55 Meadow Pipit, 50 Greenfinch, 28 Linnet, 22 Skylark, 20 alba Wagtail, 17 Whooper Swan, 9 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow and single Rock Pipit and Swallow.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore of the island and additional sightings of note included 3 Little Owl, 2 Water Rail and 2 Merlin. At least 3 Rock Pipit frequented the maritime shore and a further 3 birds were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide.
Butterflies
Small numbers of Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to move through and a late Small Copper was on the wing.
