4th October

Despite conditions out in the Channel that looked as though they'd test the resolve and abilities of even the hardiest of would-be departing migrants it was overhead passage that accounted for most of today's numbers, with totals from the Bill that included 1600 Meadow Pipits (together with another 1000 grounded), 470 Linnets, 300 Swallows, 130 alba wagtails and 115 Goldfinches; another passing Merlin was amongst the also-rans, with further singles logged lingering at the Bill and over Ferrybridge. If there had been nocturnal migrants on the move then very few deigned to drop in, with the thinnest of sprinkles of the likes of Wheatears, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs everywhere. The sea was well watched and eventually accrued totals of 690 Mediterranean Gulls, 300 auks, 122 Kittiwakes, 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 15 Balearic Shearwaters, 10 Arctic Skuas, six Common Gulls, three Great Skuas and one Sooty Shearwater.