Sea fog for a whole week hid Lundy from migrants

A team of ringers on Lundy from 21-28 September, led by Chris Dee struggled to catch as many birds as would be usual at this time of year, despite calm conditions. Persistant sea fog and light south-easterly winds for almost the entire week meant very little diurnal migration of Swallows or Meadow Pipits, or if they were migrating they couldn't find Lundy. Highlight of the week was the Wryneck (not trapped) in upper Millcombe and up to two Whinchat in St John's Valley and around the church. Water Rails were vocal in St John's and smelly gully. Four Firecrests were ringed along with three Grasshopper Warblers, and singles of Redstart, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. The House Sparrows seemed to be spending more time in Millcombe than in recent years and Wrens seemed to have had a good breeding season.