15th October

Despite the crystal clear skies, the favorable wind continued to produce a steady stream of passage migrants that continued well into the afternoon. The most notable increase was in thrushes with pulses of Redwings, Fieldfares and Song Thrushes heading in off the sea, and exploding out of every fruit covered bush across the island. Perhaps the most impressive showing came from the Blackbirds, but finches also put in a good display with 47 Redpolls overhead the second highest day count of the year. In amongst the triple-figure droves of Chaffinches came 16 Bramblings, 39 Siskins and four Crossbills. Although the mega never materialised, some points of interest included a Lapland Bunting in off the West Cliffs, a Jack Snipe flushed off the centre track and the first Black Redstart of the autumn at Barleycrates Lane. The now expected Yellow-browed Warblers were in place once again as well as four Ring Ouzels on the West Weares and two Dartford Warblers by the Business Park. 

In non-avian news, the first Vagrant Emperor of the year was spotted dashing around the Crown Field.  

Even the less favourable perches were taken around the Bill, with Blackcaps making use of the shelter in Burdock, Chiffchaffs flycatching off the Golden Samphire and the Redpolls making use of the brittle Alexanders remains © Erin Taylor:




The overhead passage this morning was spectacular © Joe Stockwell: