31st October 2011 – overcast/rain at times SSE2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea provided 28 Common Scoter and a few Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move early morning with 135 Jackdaw, 50 Greenfinch, 14 Tree Sparrow, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Fieldfare and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Short-eared Owl remain and a flock of 32 Twite were seen.
Ringing
Another exceptional month saw the ringing team setting more records. Despite the seemingly incessant wind they managed to ring 1255 birds of 25 species with an exceptional finch passage boosting the monthly total to record levels and totally eclipsing the previous best - 783 birds of 27 species which was achieved just last month! In addition, a Goldfinch provided the 3000th bird to be ringed this year, a landmark which was also achieved for the first time, despite below average numbers of Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing. Individual species totals for the month involved: Greenfinch (393), Goldfinch (236), Chaffinch (233), Meadow Pipit (144), Tree Sparrow (46), House Sparrow (40), Goldcrest (35), Lesser Redpoll (21), Dunnock (16), Blue Tit (16), Song Thrush (14), Blackbird (9), Long-tailed Tit (8), Blackcap (7), Robin (6), Linnet (6), Wren (6), Brambling (3), Chiffchaff (3), Coal Tit (3), Reed Bunting (3), Great Tit (2), Siskin (2), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (1).
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Fox was an unwelcome visitor.
Moths
Immigrants involved Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.
