16th Oct – Blackcap fall & three Yellow-browed Warblers

Richard Campey and Malcolm Davies woke to find that the wind had gone SW, bringing low cloud and drizzle, but things gradually dried up and the sun broke through during the afternoon.

The morning saw two Yellow-browed Warblers and a Firecrest in Millcombe, along with an estimated 60 Blackcaps, three Water Rails, a small movement of thrushes, a Redstart and two Reed Buntings. A third Yellow-browed Warbler was found along the Terrace at noon. The improving conditions saw plenty on the move later in the day, with the Blackcap total upped to 100, alongside good numbers of Goldcrests and Robins (20+) and a small passage of Meadow Pipits. A Great Spotted Woodpecker (perhaps most likely the same bird as earlier in the month, though it has not been reported for several days) and a single Willow Warbler were in Millcombe at 4pm, but the valley was otherwise quiet by then, with most migrants appearing to have moved on. Other sightings included a Merlin over the Airfield.