A wee bit disappointing today with a samey selection of relatively routine migrants showing up in what are becoming increasingly chilly and dreary conditions. The heavy cloud cover knocked overhead passage on the head with just a few dozen thrushes in total passing through at the Bill, where even the commoner finches were poorly represented. It was busy enough on the ground, with 50 Chiffchaffs, 25 Blackcaps and 15 Goldcrests at the Bill, where variety included at least 4 Short-eared Owls, 3 Ring Ouzels, 3 Firecrests and singles of Little Egret, Water Rail, Black Redstart and Yellow-browed Warbler; a similar selection elsewhere included 2 more Ring Ouzels and singles of Short-eared Owl, Black Redstart and Dartford Warbler. Although precious little attention was paid to the sea 28 Wigeon and 2 Balearic Shearwater did make the list at the Bill.
A small selection of immigrants in the moth-traps included a Scarce Bordered Straw at Sweethill and 5 Pearly Underwing, 3 Silver Y and 2 Rusty-dot Pearl at the Obs.
Firecrest - Southwell, 16th October 2015 © Nick Stantiford