Weekend migration steps up a gear

'October Dawn' Priory Country Park

DK & EN walked the full two hour transect this morning. It started in dull light but eventually the sun shone through. There was far less wind this morning compared to yesterday's.

Wildfowl on the main lake included Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Tufted, a lone male Pochard, Shoveler, Teal and a Little Grebe, in addition to the "permanent" Coot, Moorhen, Cormorants and Mute Swans. Great Crested Grebes were down to three on the main lake with two on Fingers. There was a good deal of disturbance from 9 o'clock as members busied themselves at the Sailing Club, forcing many of the birds to take flight. That allowed some increased counts to be made as the birds flew around.

On dry land (in the bushes, etc), singleton Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Reed Bunting were unexpectedly found. A fair number of Robins and Chaffinch were seen/heard with lesser numbers of Dunnock and Wren. On the thrush front, Blackbird and SongThrush were outnumbered by Redwings. Overhead, small parties of Redwing moving south or south-west were almost continuous; the first real day of visible migration of the species. Other birds over and calling included more than usual numbers of Sky Lark (going east into the wind), small bands of determined Wood Pigeon, singles of Kingfisher, Siskin, Redpoll, Linnet and Chiffchaff, a poss. Brambling, with twos and threes of late Swallows hurrying south-west later on. There was a good passage of Lesser Black-backs south-west, lasting most of the two hours of observation.
'Autumn Tranquility' at the Fingers Lake (north-west section)

The Sparrowhawks were busy today and seen several times (both sexes). Other birds noted included Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Grey Wag, Pied Wag, Crow, Blue & Great Tits, Long-tailed Bushtits, both Green & Gt. spotted Woodpeckers and Goldfinch. Missing this morning but seen yesterday were Goldcrest, Marsh Tit and Treecreeper.

... and today!

With migration of many species in full swing, today I picked up on the following moving birds - Chiffchaff (4 ringed), Chaffinch, Goldfinch (1 caught, many seen), Robin (3 new females caught), Goldcrest (2 caught), Greenfinch and Siskin. From my position, I could not keep a look-out for Jay, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit or Swallow, although I did hear a "alba" wagtail [but we do have resident Pieds]. Some Redwings are "in", albeit in low numbers, but the main Thrush arrival is expected this weekend /Monday. Eyes and ears peeled!
Anyone for a Yellow-browed?

Recent birding, etc.

Just to keep tabs on what is happening - or not - down at the park, here goes.
Migration of both outbound and inbound birds is underway. As I write, Swallows continue mainly south-west sometimes as singles but also in small parties of maybe two dozen, more especially mid-morning. House Martins are also visible either high up (binoculars needed) or low down when there is a stiff breeze. Meadow Pipits continue to arrive or pass through in ones and twos. Sky Larks, too, are evident at the moment.
A few thrushes have come and gone. Robin numbers have picked up and they are now solitary and defending territory with their winter song. High flying Song Thrushes can be spotted early doors, or maybe some of these were Redwings just recently? Some Blackbirds have left while others from "up north" or possibly the 'Low Countries' have taken their place.
There are still a few Blackcaps and Reed Warblers skulking around in the bushes, trying to increase their fat load before emigrating. Chiffs are still pottering through; some will be our late youngsters, others from further afield in the UK and some from Scandinavia with their "sweeeoo" call. Brambling have been heard flying over locally and there is a continuing increase in the number of Chaffinches moving south for the winter. The odd Buzzard has been drifting our way lately as well.
On the lakes, the number of Mute Swans has diminished to a couple of dozen, as the weed sinks out of reach. Gadwall numbers have also dropped slightly as the amount of weed decreases. They are still joined by a dozen or so Wigeon. You will notice that the grebes have also gone down but numbers will recover shortly as the winter birds arrive. The Coot still hang on in good numbers - but will they desert for better pastures when the weed is exhausted? I doubt it, as they will dive to the bottom for it instead of having it easy.
The juvenile Marsh Tit continues to excite and can be seen or heard, usually on the western side of the Fingers complex. Blue Tits and Wrens are becoming more noisy and visible, but the incessant "squeaks" of the Long-tailed Tits give their presence away in thicker cover. The Great Spotted 'peckers have also started calling again, making seeing them just that bit easier. Kingfishers have also returned but a harder to pick up. even though they are spotted daily by someone or other.
What will October bring us? This time of year can turn up almost anything, big or small. Eyes to the skies!