The weather contnued to be very settled over the period so many of the birds remained around the site with few new species turning up. There was the second Wryneck of the year on 22nd near Owl Copse, this bird was much more accomodating than the last, remain for most of the day giving the small group of observers some excellent views.
Wryneck at Owl Copse
The amazing disappearing then reappearing Cattle Egret continued to turn up to give some tantilizing views to the lucky few. Whilst on Ferry Pool there remained a small selection of waders through the month including Little Stint, Avocet, Curlew Sandpiper, Black Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.
Ruff on Ferry Pool
One noticible arrival over the last few weeks are Stonechats, with good numbers on the reserve which is pleasing as over the last couple of years this species has particular suffered due to the series of harsh winters
The beginning of October saw a decisive change in the weather with the first autumnal gales and with this change the number of our winter residents started to increase with Wigeon, Brent Geese and Pintail out in the harbour. On the pools Snipe and Water Rail have returned to there winter haunts. Along with these regulars there was the more exotic with a Spoonbill present on the 5th- 6th October. One rare visitor to the centre was the appearance of a Hornet, a quite unusal visitor.
Hornet at Visitor Centre
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon