Twite numbers begin to build

18th October 2009 - overcast/rain at times SW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0845-0945) provided 110 Common Scoter, 100 Razorbill, 20 Common Gull, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, 2 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Goldeneye.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Just 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll were logged in the inclement conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers continue to build with 1030 birds logged, the first Goldeneye reappeared and the Brent Goose flock contained 19 pale-bellied and 2 dark bellied individuals. Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 2080 Redshank, 1100 Golden Plover, 23 Greenshank and the first Purple Sandpiper of the winter.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail remain, good numbers of Little Egret continue to show and the Twite flock contained 30 birds.
Moths
The Figure of Eight was new for the year.
Images
Figure of Eight