Some of you have already mentioned the start of the autumn migration, this is well and truly on the go now, just have a look at some of the figures from the Portland Bird observatory!
Swifts are shipping out en masse, many swallows and martins are gathering up and it is a great time to visit coastal scrub areas where many birds will be having one last feed before diving off over the sea. Ospreys will be dispersing on their journey south so they could be spotted any where but over large gravel pits and reservoirs are good places to spot them.
Well worth keeping an eye out in local patches for the odd passage visitor such as whinchat or wheatear, as well as saying final goodbyes to many species before they head off!
What to look for arriving on our shores, clouded yellow butterflies is high on my list, but take a close look at gulls as mediteranean and yellowlegged gulls will be around. Black terns will be heading through and waders such as greenshank, dunlin and ruff are worth seeking out at inland water courses and the coast. There are many more that i have not mentioned, feel free to suggest more!
Otherwise get out into the field and make the most of what is one of the best times of years to spot birds!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Hi,
after an overnight shower Monday night had willow warbler in the garden. The chiffchaffs have moved on. Many swifts over town yesterday too, mostly swallows over today.
S
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