Saturday 9th October

Two stand out highlights found at opposite ends of the day, a Turtle Dove that flew west over Warren Point towards Exmouth at 9.30 and a vocal Yellow-browed Warbler in Dead Dolphin Wood at 16.30. There have been twice as many of the latter on site (16) than Turtle Dove (8) in the last 10 years.

Migrants during an afternoon visit included a late Whinchat, two Wheatear and at least 12 Stonechat with a Jay by the Main Pond presumably the temporary resident rather than one of yesterday migrants. In the estuary 10 Cattle Egret were on The Wreck mid afternoon, presumably having moved from fields north of Cockwood where over 50 have been present.  Wildfowl counts at low tide of 480 Teal, 100 Wigeon and 56 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Elsewhere 11 Common Scoter and at least four Sandwich Tern were offshore.

Wildlife News: Over 40 Rusty-dot Pearl flushed from grassland areas during the afternoon was further evidence of migration. New species discovered today included Twin-spot Centurion Sargus bipunctatus and the uncommon barkfly Amphigerontia bifasciata. Harlequin Ladybird have emerged in recent days with many searching out aphids on the Sycamores, whilst two Rosemary Beetle and several larvae were found.