15th August

Despite the continuation of the previous days movement of Flycatchers through the night, the damp, grey morning saw a slow start to the proceedings. However, as the morning progressed the birds began to appear and a clear dichotomy of species between the Crown Field and the garden nets appeared with the fields producing a steady trickle of Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats, whilst the garden contained the RedstartsPied and Spotted Flycatchers. Out in the field, those who chose to brave the impending drizzle added a selection of early autumn migrants to the list including singles of Tree Pipit, Whinchat and Crossbill, as well as some lingering waders (singles of Turnstone, Common Sandpiper and Ringed Plover). Elsewhere on the island, the Rosy Starling remained elusive giving sporadic glimpses on the rooftops of Weston whilst Ferrybridge saw the additions of four Curlews, one Wheatear and a Greenshank to the usual fare. 

Sparrowhawks become remarkably unobtrusive during the breeding season, but post-dispersal they resume harassing the locals in both the gardens and at Ferrybridge ©Pete Saunders: