9th September

Yesterdays rain had cleared away and the wind was light north westerly. This turned out to be the best day of the autumn so far, for the number of species of migrant seen, 17 in total.

Common Redstart: a male was seen this morning in the Cricket Pen, area 31. It was a little hard to see on occasion as it fed mostly in the upper branches of the Silver Birches. While trying to get a half decent photo this afternoon a female showed as well.

Whinchat: one was perched on the temporary fencing near area 2 at 6.20am. It could have roosted there overnight, as it had soon departed.

Northern Wheatear (greenland race): one turned up on the same fencing as the above at 12.20pm, before moving over to area 37.

Pied Flycatcher: one was seen feeding in the same trees as the redstarts at 3.20pm. We had expected that at least one would be present in the park.

Spotted Flycatcher: four birds were seen in area 31, making short excursions to the nearby island.

Lesser Whitethroat: two were in area 31.

Common Whitethroat: three were in area 31.

Garden Warbler: one was seen in area 31.

Blackcap: two were in area 31.

Willow Warbler: sixteen were around the park, with eight in area 31.

Chiffchaff: twenty-four were present, with ten in area 31.

Swallow: at least ninety passed through, probably more. our attention was mainly on the cricket pen.

House Martin: the number of local birds dropped to twenty-five.

Yellow Wagtail: fourteen passed through heading west, there was one flock of nine.

Grey Wagtail: three flew through.

Tree Pipit: one flew SW at 6.55am.

Meadow Pipit: three flew through.

Great crested Grebe: a pair have recently hatched some young, by the Bandstand Island, area 7.

 

  Common Redstart

6.20 am is not the best time to photograph a Whinchat

Northern Wheatear (greenland race)

Chifchaff (above) and Willow Warbler (below)