A day of quality over quantity, despite the ringing totals reaching a meagre 13 there was a noticeable movement of birds over head. The first
Garden Warbler of the autumn was trapped in the crown estate field and 2 fly-over
Tree Pipits were an encouraging sign of things to come. Other totals included: 7
Pied Flycatchers, 23
Willow Warblers, 2
Chiffchaffs, 2
Lesser Whitethroats, 3
Sedge Warblers, 2
Wheatears, a
Lapwing and a
Whimbrel in the top fields and a reeling
Grasshopper Warbler. The passage of
Swifts once again increased with 110 birds heading out to sea, 30
Swallows were also seen departing accompanied by 5
Sand Martins. The sea continued to produce a few waders on top of the regulars: 3
Sandwich Terns, 5
Yellow-legged Gulls, 7
Mediterranean Gulls, 8
Black-headed Gulls, 2
Ringed Plovers, 1
Turnstone and 3
Sanderlings. A
Greenshank past Blacknor was also of note.
Ferrybridge was comparatively quiet compared to recent wader totals with: 7
Sanderling, 15
Turnstone, 3
Curlew, 1
Sandwich Tern and 2
Wheatears.
The moths returned to form with only our regulars putting on any kind of performance, 35
Silver Y, 8
Dark Sword Grass and 77
Diamond-back Moths.
It doesn't feel like Portland when the Willow Warblers have gone, its good to have them feeding up close and personal again before they depart for Africa ©Erin Taylor: