5th October

 A big - although not entirely comprehensive since the wind gathered strength all day - improvement in the weather saw a lot of migrants take the opportunity to get moving and visible passage in particular was worth tapping into throughout the morning. There were no surprises amongst the tally, but totals of 550 Linnets, 480 alba wagtails, 400 Meadow Pipits, 150 Chaffinches and 58 Siskins were logged at the Bill, where 3 more Bramblings were the best of the lower totals. Grounded migrants weren't as numerous but there was still enough to maintain interest, with noticeable arrivals of seasonable staples like Robins, Wheatears and Stonechats everywhere, a Ring Ouzel and lingering singles of Siberian Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow-browed Warbler at the Bill and 2 more Yellow-browed Warblers, another Ring Ouzel and a Coal Tit scattered elsewhere; the long-staying Rosy Starling also remained at Easton. Despite the freshening wind the sea returned little more than 3 Great Skuas and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose through off the Bill.

There was an odd selection of grounded waders at the Bill including Bar-tailed Godwit and Sanderling © Ralph Todd and a Common Sandpiper © Joe Stockwell:




Last week's Siberian Lesser Whitethroat also popped up again © Joe Stockwell:


Whilst commoner fare included increasing numbers of Reed Buntings and Stonechats © Martin Cade: