A mixed month of comings and goings some late but typical migrants in the form of Garganey (5th), Redstart (3rd & 6th), Black Redstart (30th), up to six Stonechats, odd Whinchats and Wheatears in the first week, three Firecrests (22nd), at least 40 Robins on the 24th, Ring Ouzel (26th), pair of Bullfinch from 26th, Lapland Bunting (23rd), Yellowhammer (9th and 10th), 13 Chiffchaff (9th), the first Fieldfares and Redwings from the 9th, many finches including very good Redpoll numbers, Siskins and a few Bramblings. Swallows and House Martins were seen into the last few days and there was even a Sand Martin on the 31st. Two Yellow Wagtails on the first were October notables and Hobby till the 7th and a very late adult Little Ringed Plover (9th-20th) were unusual. Rock Pipits were back on the foreshore but Skylark and Meadow Pipit numbers were low. Bearded tits are back and up to ten have been seen although they have been sporadic in their appearances. Wader numbers grew steadily with over 200 redshank, 700 Lapwing, 200 Dunlin and 150 Golden Plover by month end along with our Spotted Redshank back for the winter, five lingering Greenshanks, four Knot (26th) and two Avocets (9th). Star bird was the Glossy Ibis that dropped in on the 14th for a few minutes before coming back and spending two hours with us the following day. Out on the river the 25th and 26th were good days with 27 Brent Geese, two Scoter, four Mergansers and 12 Little Gulls on the former and 42 Brent, 12 White-fronted Geese, Kittiwake and an early adult Iceland Gull. A Short-eared Owl has been seen on several dates and just how many Marsh Harriers have been through is anyone’s guess with three on several dates but with two only once seen Norfolk wing-tagged juveniles amongst them!
Both Grey and Common Seals have been seen regularly with the big bull Common enjoying lounging around on the muddy southern shore. Still plenty of insects around during the month including Darters, hawkers and Admirals and even the Lizards were about longer than usual.
Reed Bunting (Basil Thornton)
10-11-12