Migration continued apace although subtle changes in the proportions of constituents saw
Goldcrests gain prominence at the Bill at least, where 50 represented their highest total of the season to date;
Redwings also got into double figures for the first time, including 19 at the Bill, whilst the first 2
Bramblings overhead hinted at further changes to come. In the dreary conditions and fresher northeasterly,
Chiffchaffs were still conspicuously numerous everywhere, including 150 through at the Bill, whilst 50
Stonechats at the Bill
was their highest total of recent weeks; further odds and ends of interest on the ground included a
Dartford Warbler and the long-staying
Whimbrel at the Bill, a
Firecrest at Thumb Lane and 2
Bar-tailed Godwits, a
Grey Plover and a
Redshank at Ferrybridge. Numbers overhead included 1700
Linnets, 280
Swallows, 160
Meadow Pipits, 135
Goldfinches, 130
alba wagtails, 92
Chaffinches, 80
Skylarks, 24
Siskins, 10
Redpolls, a
Merlin and a
Lapwing at the Bill. Even though
auks were still abundant at times, the sea was considerably quieter than it had been yesterday, with a lingering
Arctic Skua the best on offer off the Bill.
A lot of our recent Goldcrest peaks haven't been until early November so there may well be plenty more of them to come yet this autumn © Martin Cade:
Goldcrests on the up in the Bill mist-nets today - 29 from the day total of 148 birds ringed is more than double their previous best day so far this autumn; 49 CCs and 17 Swallows the day's other high totals, with 6 Stonechats and 5 Redwings also their highest totals for the season to date.
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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) October 12, 2025 at 7:33 PM
