18th September

Not much happening weather-wise so still rather little happening bird-wise; the Bill area's first Wryneck of the autumn was the day's highlight.

Portland Bill
Migrants Meadow Pipit c400 over, Wheatear 30, Stonechat 30, with lower totals including Siskin 7 over, Goldcrest 5, Whimbrel 2, Merlin 1, Wryneck 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Redstart 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1.
Sea passage Common Scoter 16e 12w, Arctic Skua 2w 1e, Arctic Tern 3w.

Ferrybridge
Bar-tailed Godwit 5, Knot 2, Curlew Sandpiper 1, Little Stint 1.

Moths
Selected immigrants Obs: Rush Veneer 33, Pearly Underwing 16, Rusty-dot Pearl 7, Turnip 6, Convolvulus Hawkmoth 2, Delicate 2, Silver Y 2, Dark Sword Grass 1. Southwell: Scarce Bordered Straw 2, Sombre Brocade 1.

This morning's Merlin at the Bill © Roger Hewitt:


Nick Stantiford's been keeping us in touch with the ongoing soap opera of the Southwell Barn Owl pair: the two surviving youngsters are both now flying with their chances considerably improved by what are obviously really good numbers of voles in the vicinity - Nick logged 14 deliveries of voles in a little over three hours a few evenings ago! © Nick Stantiford: