30th September 2014 – early showers S3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced the best movement for a while with 88 Common Scoter, 68 Razorbill, 34 Gannet, 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Little in evidence on the ground with just 6 Goldcrest the best on offer.
Diurnal Migration
Quieter than of late with just 100 Meadow Pipit, 80 Pied/White Wagtail, 50 Linnet, 30 Skylark, 25 Swallow, 15 Chaffinch,10 Tree Sparrow and 5 Grey Wagtail.
Ringing
The continuously calm, dry and settled month allowed for an above average number of days when mist-nets could be set and exceptional numbers of birds to be ringed. A total of 1286 birds of 26 species were handled, surpassing the previous best of 870 of 28 species in 2011. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Meadow Pipit 775 (1), Robin 82 (1), Goldcrest 75 (2), Goldfinch 71 (63), Tree Sparrow 38, Chaffinch 32, Chiffchaff 28, Wren 28, House Sparrow 12 (1), Blue Tit 8 (1), Dunnock 7 (1), Greenfinch 6 (3), Great Tit 6 (1), Stonechat 6 (1), Swallow 6, Willow Warbler 4, Whitethroat 4, Sparrowhawk 3, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Grey Wagtail 2, Blackbird 2 (6), Song Thrush 2, Blackcap 2, Reed Bunting 2, Skylark 1 and Linnet 1
Moths and Butterflies
Both Large Wainscot and Green-brindled Crescent were new for the year in the moth trap while butterflies included 10 Red Admiral and a Painted Lady.
