Continuing clear skies - at least until the afternoon when heavy cloud cover rolled in from the north - did few favours migrant-wise so a Rosy Starling that showed up at Southwell was very welcome. The afternoon cloud cover did aid mist-netting, in particular holding up many hirundines that had hitherto been passing straight through and the day's Bill ringing total was the highest of the autumn to date.
Portland Bill
Migrants Swallow c1000, Sand Martin c300, Meadow Pipit c250, House Martin c150, with lower totals including Siskin 6, Goldcrest 5, Snipe 2, Purple Sandpiper 1, Turtle Dove 1.
Sea passage Common Scoter 70w, Balearic Shearwater 25w, Wigeon 2w, Teal 1e 1w.
Southwell
Merlin 1, Rosy Starling 1.
Suckthumb
Wryneck 1.
Ferrybridge
Avocet 7.
Moths
Selected immigrants Obs: Rusty-dot Pearl 20, Rush Veneer 20, Pearly Underwing 10, Turnip 6, Delicate 6, Dark Sword Grass 1, Scarce Bordered Straw 1. Southwell: Convolvulus Hawkmoth 1.
The Southwell Rosy Starling © Duncan Walbridge:
Rosy Starling at reap Lane just now, had to be on Portland so rude not to! @PortlandBirdObs pic.twitter.com/DnvKrR5XuA
— Joe Stockwell (@Joe_stockwell) September 19, 2022
