Saturday 5th October 2013

A Yellow-browed Warbler that turned up in Dead Dolphin Wood eventually located to Warren Point were it showed well on occasion. Despite only being the eighth site record, and especially with the numbers elsewhere, this is becoming an expected autumn arrival. Another rarity highlight was the return of the Black Brant after a week's absence. It was found with 323 Brent Geese on Bull Hill mid afternoon, the flock having flown in from the east bank of the estuary, it remained on site with c100 Brent over the evening high tide. Also in the estuary 2600+ Wigeon, 238 Teal and 17 Pintail roosted in Shuterton Creek with three adult Mediterraean Gull, two Ruff and the Slavonian Grebe also present. Elsewhere other grounded migrants included 16 Chiffchaff, eight Stonechat, seven Blackcap, three Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher, whilst overhead a steady light passage included 250+ Meadow Pipit, 65+ Skylark, 20+ Swallow, 10 Rook, six Grey Wagtail, six Chaffinch, two Redpoll and two Jackdaw. Much of this was moving high across a broad front, with much more no doubt even higher out of view. This was highlighted when 70+ Meadow Pipit came through in just 15 minutes during a period of low cloud early afternoon.

Spotted Flycatcher © Lee Collins

 

Wildlife News: Migrant lepidoptera included at least three Clouded Yellow, two Painted Lady, a Vestal, good numbers of Red Admiral and smaller numbers of Rush Veneer, Large White and Silver Y. A Ruddy Darter along the Back Path was another immigrant.