In the gloom I set off out for a full patch walk, during which, a very good tally of 54 species was recorded, 5 of those new being to the months list, which at 64 is already just 2 behind the August tally, showing what a poor month that was.
A KINGFISHER (60) at the main lake was the first species added to the September list, but more pleasing was finding a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (61) around the outbuildings between the lakes and the Scrubby Woods, just my second record for the year of this once regular Pittswood breeding species. As I watched the Spotted Flycatcher, more good fortune arrived in the form of a GREY WAGTAIL (62) the first here since July.
Most of what was expected turned out in the Scrubby Woods and Wet Woods, the best being the likes of COAL TIT, LONG TAILED TIT, BULLFINCH, NUTHATCH, TREECREEPER, GOLDCREST, JAY, STOCK DOVE, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, GREEN WOODPECKER, BLACKCAP and CHIFFCHAFF. The lakes were very quiet as usual, but there was a GREY HERON present of note today.
Crossing the Ashes Lane Fields I was pleased to find a WHINCHAT sitting on the fence line along the drainage ditch, then at Migrant Alley I found another one, along with a WHEATEAR, plus a flyover YELLOW WAGTAIL. Later, this afternoon I found there were 2 Whinchats and 3 Wheatears at Migrant Alley!
Looking through the Greenhouse Grounds, I finally found a SONGTHRUSH (63) for the September list, as well as a single WHITETHROAT, after which, a 90 minute Sky watch produced the four Raptor species of KESTREL, SPARROWHAWK, HOBBY and BUZZARD, the latter of which I counted ten thermalling together, but there could well of been 12-15, as some left and some joined the gathering! A CORMORANT and the three regular Larid species of HERRING GULL, LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL and BLACK HEADED GULL helped pad out the day list.The last species to be added to the September list was a real treat, with 6 LAPWING (64) flying low over, heading Southwards, gone are the days when they would stop off on the fields of Migrant Alley though.
Just a flyover ROOK was captured by my camera today, the ''chats'' were way too wary!
Rook
6 comments:
Pleasing to see you writing in a less doom and gloom mood and that bird numbers are returning to normal. In respect of Lapwings, a high count for us on the marsh last month was around 20 due to the extreme dryness, so we're not much better than you.
Good to see your records looking more positive Warren. I always find it odd that some see positive attitudes by others and turn them into an opinion of 'doom and gloom' whilst I credit you with being a realistic - as opposed to a pessimistic - person.
Looks like I'm grounded today up here in't north, can't see down the street from our house lashed with rain as I write.
Pete,
You are right, I can only write about the facts - be they positive or negative, my mood doesn't come into it :-)
Oh, just to pee you off - its hot and sunny here....again LoL
Sorry i haven't been reading/commenting lately, so had a catch up session.
I hope you got/get the 100.
Loving the blogs and pics too.
I did see a flock of lap wings fly over the and of Ashes/Ton rd Wed Warren.
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