Autumn at last

[cannylad]

Finally some autumn like weather for birding has arrived, as a steady south easterly blew this morning.
Visited my patch and it was immediately apparent there were birds moving.

From the off a great number of song thrush were observed and smaller numbers of Redwing and blackbird mixed in with them, coming in off the sea and dropping in to any cover before swiftly moving inland.

Starlings, Robin, Wren, Chaffinch, Brambling, Wheatear, Goldcrest and Redstart. were all recorded on the beaches , rocks and bushes, as the mist and rain caused birds to set down.

Other birds seen included Ring ouzel, Yellow-browed warbler, Common tern, no major rarities but i have always enjoyed the spectacle of visible migration, went home one happy bunny

regards brian.

[aeshna5]

Seeing you're from Nothumberland, have you been to see the Roller in your county? It's been around Holy Island area since Sunday. Remember going up there regularly when I was a student in Newcastle in late 1970's.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

I'm still on the lookout for the first definate Redwing sighting, was pretty sure i saw one this morning but it's difficult to tell whilst driving shouldn't be long, what with being on the east coast

[cannylad]

Thanks for the replies, yes Ashena was up at Holy island on Tuesday and stopped off at Beal to see the Roller. It was a cracker and showed well, last recorded in 1958 in Northumberland so it has been a blocker for those who list. Apparently the local TV arrived later on probably to do a hatchet job on twitchers, but the bird was miles away in a field and people kept there distance.

Hi Links, yesterday the main arrival of Redwings was early morning but this changed to Song thrush as the day progressed. The weekend and Monday looks good for migration with easterlies and rain forecast so should be plenty more Redwing arriving.

I still get a tingle down the back of my neck when i see birds, butterflies, migrating , but its important to not disturb them as they are vulnerable after a crossing in poor conditions i always work my patch with that in mind.

regards brian.

[smartie]

I'm heading off for a week at Holy Island (or nearby anyway) on Saturday. Anything else in particular I shouldl ook out for?

[cannylad]

Originally Posted by smartie

I'm heading off for a week at Holy Island (or nearby anyway) on Saturday. Anything else in particular I shouldl ook out for?

Great grey shrike and Yellow browed warbler there today, weather is supposed to go into the east over the weekend so anything might happen. will probably spend some time up there myself over the coming week.

Had two Yellow browed warblers at my patch today (ST Marys Island) so there are birds to be found hope you enjoy your visit.

brian

[Wolfhill]

While I was out and about today I obsrvered some Salmon starting to run, also I saw large numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare. On the way back down the road I saw 3 Jays flaying between woodland. Looks like autumn has reached Perthshire alright
Fergus