By Thomas Weston
The start of the day was census filled. I started the day with one of our travel meetings to discuss the coming day.
A census highlight, a Whinchat at Stoneycroft by Thomas Weston
Eleanor had the morning off before her Tavern shift so joined me for census. It was a breezy --> strong, southerly wind with a bit of cool in the air. The birds of Millcombe had reacted to this and either hidden, or departed overnight. Two Yellow Wagtails over the Tavern were the first species recorded on census as we stepped out. This then was followed by a flock of 4 Ravens, and the usual Carrion Crows who have now flocked together, with 48 noted, including 39 just in Brick Field. A single Blackbird and 2 Blackcap were the best from the top of Millcombe. Yesterday's Blackcap flocks had left and gone south overnight, probably taking every other warbler with them as there were only one Chiffchaff, and 2 Willow Warblers too. Overhead, a little Meadow Pipit migration was ongoing, though they were pretty few and far between with 40 noted altogether. Back in Millcombe, and 10 Robins keeps the double-figure counts going for this species. In the trees, 2 Firecrest, single Goldcrest and a Sand Martin overhead were nice migrants. Two Tree Pipits migrating from the north were a surprise, as was the one on the Airfield later along the route. Out in the Landing Bay, 2 Rock Pipits and a migrant Grey Wagtail were both seen and heard. Gulls have been few recently as they have migrated off, although 10 Great Black-backed Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls with a passage of Lesser Black-backed Gull the best. In the water, 6 Shags were enjoying a calmish Landing Bay, and in the calmest parts of Millcombe, 3 Chaffinches, 2 Dunnocks, 3 Wrens, and 2 Goldfinches hid in the bushes. There was a very sad looking Feral Pigeon near the ringing bench, summing up the ringing that went on around it whereby the few birds around the valley were reflected in those heading into the nets. Another look from Battlements Corner saw 8 Gannets between there and Benjamin's Chair. The windy St John's Valley yielded a female Stonechat with a small flock of House Sparrows plus 6 Linnets overhead which were the only ones seen this morning. Walking round the windy south, South West Field had an alba wagtail heading south over the coast, and a Peregrine just north of Old Light. A surprise came in the form of a Whinchat on Stoneycroft Paddock wall – amazing to see this species before Wheatear and even more odd to see only 4 Wheatears on the whole route! Though one was a Greenland Wheatear which was lovely and big. Over the Airfield, 8 Swallows were the best of the birds, and it took until the last field before the Village (High Street Field) before 2 Skylarks were recorded. Walking back through the Village to finish the census route, 118 Starlings was the highest count since last winter, and 4 Mallards in Bartons Field were the best from the rest. Overall, many species, but not many birds again!
Somewhere out there, there will be a bunting again. However, today, a Wryneck at the Terrace, with 2 Pied Flycatchers were the best from Greg, and a seawatch at North End by visiting Tom saw a nice flock of 70 Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua, and a Sandwich Tern too. This was in addition to 2 Grey Herons who flew down the east coast, being seen by Adam later, who added Dunlin to the day list with a high-flying bird seen this morning pre-census.
Afternoon saw the weather deteriorate, with an admin afternoon had. Success.