Yesterday we tried a spot of skywatching but not just for raptors like we normally do. Instead we set ourselves up at the end of the ramp from mid-morning and kept our eyes on the skies to record the passing of any species that looked like it was actively on migration.
This sort of Visible Migration excercise (or Vis Migging!) is a good way to get an idea of just how many birds are actually on the move on any one day and from which direction they are largely travelling. The wind was from the east and very light and indeed most of the species recorded were coming from that direction and although the numbers were low the passage was there and we counted small groups of Linnet, Chaffinches and Skylarks throughout the day along with Lesser Redpolls and a couple of Siskins, Meadow Pipits, six coasting Tree Sparrows and a late Swallow.
Our talley board... there was a page two!
There were of course raptors too and 29 Buzzard were found expecially after 2pm when groups of seven and four moved through. Unlike the passerines, these were largely moving in a southwest or south east direction along with at least four non local Sparrowhawks and the undoubted highlight of the day, a juvenile Hen Harrier that was tracked high across the site of out to the east. I wonder if it was a British or Scandinavian bred bird? A Short-eared Owl was seen several times out on the middle of Aveley Marsh and the Ravens and male Marsh Harrier were knocking about.
Meadow Pipit - a few were on the move yesterday and were often silent - Lawrence Rogers
With an easterly airflow predicted for the next week there will be more to come and I will be outside on Monday (weather permitting!) for more of the same. Who knows what might fly over!
23-10-16
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer