A plusia flurry in the Obs moth-traps a bit unexpected on a night that seemed way too windy for productive catching: singles of Golden Twin-spot and Dewick's Plusia + 25 Silver Ys (this week's highest total)
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) September 19, 2024 at 9:41 AM
[image or embed]
19th September
It's already feeling like we've got into a weather rut and a change would be for the best: the continuing brisk northeasterly, clear sky and searing temperature saw migrant numbers fall away to the extent that even hirundine passage lost a lot of momentum and the day's ringing total struggled to reach even double figures - all pretty grim for mid-September. Meadow Pipits and hirundines were still on the move over the Bill but none reached a higher per hour total than the 550 chalked up for House Martins; at least 3 more Hobbys passed through but most of the usually numerous tag-alongs didn't even manage a double figure total. On the ground, the day's tally included more lingerers than new arrivals, with a scatter of 7 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Firecests and singles of Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Kingfisher and Pied Flycatcher the best of it. Four Balearic Shearwaters and a Wigeon were all that could be mustered from the sea at the Bill.
