Wed 16 Sep – A good arrival of nocturnal migrants

One Ortolan Bunting was still present in the Lighthouse Field and close to the water tanks on 16 Sep and there was a major passage of White Wagtails (estimated 100, mainly around the South End in the first three hours of the morning) and Swallows (estimated at 1,000). Consolidated observations from birders on the island indicated a good arrival of nocturnal migrants comprising 45 Willow Warblers, 40 Blackcaps, a Redstart, 11 Whinchats, 50 Wheatears, 2 Sedge Warblers, 12 Whitethroats and 20 Spotted Flycatchers. There were still 2 Firecrests in Millcombe and also a Dunlin (which, tantalisingly, was carrying a ring), a Ringed Plover and a Curlew on the island. Raptors included 6 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.

A Dunlin at North End sported a ring... © Dave Chown