5th to 22nd Dec 2019

The darkest day of the year has come and gone and Lundy is now very much enveloped in a mid-winter embrace.

A squall passing overhead © Dean Jones

Weather wise, it has been another mixed bag but has mostly been wet and windy, give or take a few settled, milder afternoons. In fact so much rain has fallen on the island this month that we have already surpassed the mean total rainfall for December (1971–2018), which has resulted in the island’s shallow soils – particularly on the plateau – becoming absolutely saturated, creating small pools and ponds all over the island and miniature flowing burns along coastal paths. 

Acklands Moor Marsh too has continued to swell, spreading out to areas on both sides of High Street Field wall (to the delight of the gulls), so much so that it is now contending for the title of largest body of freshwater on the island (look out Pondsbury)! 

Ackland's Moor Marsh – all we need now is a visitng Spoonbill from
the nearby Isley Marsh © Dean Jones

But despite the frequent squalls creating less than perfect conditions for birding (it is hard to sneak up on the wary gulls in Brick Field due to the noisy squelches from leaky welly boots), the rain clouds and the afternoon light have provided some beautiful wintery skyscapes at times, complete with breath-taking, technicoloured rainbows on one or two special days. 

Whilst out on my soggy adventures - unsurprisingly being winter - it is noticeably quieter on the island bird wise. Though saying that; there are still some wondrous winter encounters to be had for those willing to venture out in the cold.

Like the numerous conspicuous Rock Pipits which have moved up from their seaside settings to feed between the livestock up and around the farm fields. Flocks of Herring Gull and Carrion Crow have now banded together to chase the Farmer each morning as he lays down feed for the sheep. Up to six dapper drake Teal have been busy pulling out all the moves to an audience of 12 ducks on Pondsbury – spring is already in the air for some! Guillemots have too been periodically gracing their guano enriched podiums, particularly at Long Roost. Then out at sea, we’ve had flocks of feeding Kittiwake, small numbers of Harbour Porpoise, a very late Manx Shearwater (one past the North Lighthouse on the 22nd) and a delightful Great Northern Diver most days - patrolling the shallows of the Landing Bay in hope for a hearty catch.

Other than these, there has been a very small number of Chaffinch present, mostly around the Millcombe area, as well as a pair of Goldfinch which have been frequenting Sue’s feeder - adding a welcome splash of colour to the dreary winter days.

Fieldfare, Redwing and Song Thrush are still trickling through too in small numbers, stopping over briefly in Barton’s Field to probe the damp in fields for juicy Oligochaetes to fuel their remaining journeys south.

Singles of Goldcrest have also been reported on a number of days, somehow finding enough food to sustain their energetic lifestyles in the skeleton canopies in Millcombe and Quarterwall copse. Oh, and the odd Meadow Pipit and up to five Skylark have also been reported on days, hiding out in the lee of towering tussocks further up the island. 

Rudolf the red-breasted Robin - carolling away in Millcombe Valley © Dean Jones

With the holidays just around the corner I would once again like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who visited Lundy this year as well as all those who have contributed sightings to the Lundy Field Society Logbook and the Lundy Birds Blog. It has been a truly spectacular year of birds, birders and happy times.

A very Merry Christmas to you all!

All the very best, Dean Woodfin Jones

P.S. On 23rd Dec there was a first-winter Iceland Gull this morning and 3 Great Northern Divers in the Landing Bay!

Record shot of first-winter Iceland Gull © Dean Jones 

25th Nov to 4th Dec – Glorious sunsets (and birds) as winter arrives

November 25th – December 4th

It is starting to feel much more like winter on Lundy this week, especially now that the Christmas decorations and twinkling fairy lights have come out of storage and dressed around the windows of the General Stores. Christmas cards and presents too are arriving and filling pigeon holes by the sackful, and overnight – with the temperatures dropping to just below freezing – carpets of frost are forming over the last of the decomposing waxcaps on the plateau. 

Weather-wise this week and a bit has been a tale of two halves, with the stormy weather from the last post raging on up to the end of November. Come the turn of the month however, the strong winds dropped to a very welcome breeze, the dreary rain-laden clouds dispersed into beautiful sunshine, and with it, excellent visibility, glorious sunsets and some slightly warmer temperatures during the daylight hours (but not enough to prevent the long-johns from being unpacked from summer storage).

Onto the birds!

Highlights from the period include a passing flock of five Whooper Swan on 3rd December, seen flying south along the east coast by Assistant Warden Rosie Ellis in the late morning.

Whooper Swans, East Side, 3rd Dec © Rosie Ellis

Red-throated Divers have started to arrive off the east coast now too, with two flying south past the Landing Bay on the 28th and one feeding close in to the Ugly on the 2nd. Additional high points include a Lapland Bunting which was seen and heard in flight over Ackland’s Moor on the 1st and singles of Snow Bunting on six days within this period.

A number of Jack Snipe have also graced the island, with singles flushed on the 27th and 29th, and last but by no means least a Lapwing was present on Ackland’s Moor on 1st December – the first since 2nd February (a very poor year for these beautiful birds on Lundy).

The good numbers of feeding Gannet have continued since the last post (max 105 on the 1st), along with good numbers of Herring Gull (max 600 on the 4th) and auks (1,000+ on the 4th) along the east coast most days.

Supplementing these spectacular flocks have been a number Lundy scarcities, such as Common Gull (a first-winter bird on 28th, an adult on the 2nd and 20 birds on the 4th – most of which were adults), Black-headed Gull (an adult on the 28th) and Mediterranean Gull (one adult on the 28th, two on the 2nd and one adult on the 4th).

Other sightings of note include: up to 14 Eurasian Teal on Pondsbury most days, singles of Cormorant – one along the east coast on the 28th and a young bird on Pondsbury on the 2nd – up to three Common Snipe most days, a Golden Plover feeding with a small flock of Fieldfare on Ackland’s on the 1st, two Woodcock on the 1st, a male Sparrowhawk on the 26th, a Kestrel on the 1st, 3rd and 4th, the female Merlin each day, singles of Water Rail most days (though four were seen/heard on the island on the 1st), two Skylark on the 28th and five on the 4th, singles of Chiffchaff on the 27th & 28th, a male Blackcap on the 1st, a Pied Wagtail on the 27th, singles of Black Redstart on three dates, up to three Stonechat each day, a female Brambling on the 26th, 29th and 1st, two Siskin on the 29th, a Linnet on the 28th and small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Goldcrest, Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Goldfinch and Chaffinch most days.

Report composed of sightings by Zoë Barton, Jamie Dunning, Rosie Ellis, Dean Jones, Andy Trout and Lucy Winder.

Merlin, Main Track, 30th Nov © Dean Jones

Stonechat, Lower East Side Path, 30th Nov © Dean Jones

The end is nigh – apocalyptic sunset! 2nd Dec © Dean Jones

Another glorious sunset, 3rd Dec © Dean Jones

18th to 24th Nov

Monday 18th to Sunday 24th November

A round-up of the last week's sightings from Lundy Warden Dean Woodfin Jones:

Wet and windy has been the theme of the week with strong southerly and easterly winds for the most part, accompanied by frequent showers, mist and/or prolonged heavy downpours. There have been one or two really nice periods between the squalls, however, that have allowed for some decent birding, a trickle of migrants and the appearance of some scarce and rather surprising Lundy birds.

The most unexpected bird from this period came in the form of a very late Barn Swallow, a bird which was seen whizzing through the Village, dodging unfurled mist-nets, by Sparrow Researchers Lucy Winder and Jamie Dunning during the late morning of the 24th.

Snow Buntings have also been recorded throughout this period – all single birds apart from a very obliging pair on High Street track on the 24th.

Snow Buntings, High Street track 24 Nov © Dean Jones

Snow Bunting bathing in puddle on High Street track © Dean Jones

Snow Buntings, High Street track 24 Nov © Dean Jones

Chaffinches are still pushing through too in lulls in the wind – mostly in small numbers. There was, however, a decent late-autumn passage of 184 birds heading south on the morning of the 24th.

This week has also seen a number of late Manx Shearwater with three recorded on the 19th, one on the 20th and four on the 24th, all from the east coast of the island.

The last of these dates also saw a mass feeding frenzy of seabirds offshore from the Landing Bay in the first few hours of daylight – here a spectacular 327 Gannet were seen dive-bombing multiple shoals of bait-fish accompanied by three Shags, 626 Kittiwake, three Black-headed Gull, two Common Gull, two Mediterranean Gull, eight Great Black-backed Gull, 224 Herring Gull, four Lesser Black-backed Gull, two Great Skua and 186 auks.

Other notable sea-bird sightings from the period include addirtional Common Gulls (two on the 19th, six on the 20th, two on the 23rd), Mediterranean Gulls (two on the 19th and 24th, one on the 20th and 23rd) and a Great Skua on the 19th.

Further observations of note included: two Teal on the 21st and 3 on the 24th, two Water Rail on the 18th and singles on the 19th, 21st and 24th, 44 Fulmar on ledges in Jenny’s Cove on the 24th, a Sparrowhawk near St Helen’s Copse on the 24th, singles of Woodcock near Tibbetts on the 19th and one in Jenny’s Cove on the 24th (flushed from behind the Cheeses), two Snipe on the 24th, a Woodpigeon in Millcombe on the 19th, a male Kestrel on three dates, a Merlin hunting Chaffinch over High Street Field on the 20th, two Skylark on the 18th, 2 Chiffchaff on the 24th, a male Blackcap on the 19th and 24th, a Firecrest on the 20th, up to seven Goldcrest each day, a small scattering of Blackbird (max 15 on the 24th, Fieldfare (max 3 on the 22nd) and Redwing (max 27 on the 22nd), a single Mistle Thrush on the 22nd, Stonechat (max 4 on the 24th), up to three Meadow Pipit on some days, a lady Brambling at Sue’s feeder since the 22nd, a Greenfinch on the 20th, a Linnet on the 24th and up to four Goldfinch daily.

11th to 17th Nov – Typical late-autumn migrants...and a lurking Cetti's Warbler

Monday 11th November

A driech aul day throughout composed of very strong NNW winds all day (perfect conditions for a helicopter ride), chilly temperatures and sporadic showers throughout.

Not much to shout about bird wise unfortunately, though a Kestrel, two Skylark, a Chiffchaff calling from the Laundry Garden Privet, a Goldcrest, and a smattering of thrushes and finches made it into the LFS logbook by the evening.

Tuesday 12th November

Yet another wild day of downpours and strong north westerlies. Highlights from this difficult day of birding comprised the appearance of a female Wigeon on Pondsbury and a total of six Manx Shearwaters past the island through the day.

Other sightings included four Mallard, seven Teal, at least 100 Fulmar off the West Coast, 20 Gannet, two Woodcock, one Guillemot, a Chiffchaff, three Redwing and four Stonechat.  

Wednesday 13th November

A gentler day today wind-wise though rather sporadic in its direction – swinging from the north to south west in the morning, back again by the afternoon and then north easterly in the evening. A few odd showers also occurred in the afternoon but all in all, a much nicer day than yesterday!

Birds of the day were the female Wigeon again – tucked away on the western side of Pondsbury – and a single Snow Bunting feeding in Tillage Field.

Other birds included: four Mallard, six Teal, two Woodcock, two Snipe enjoying the new Ackland's Moor marsh, 20 Herring Gull, two Merlin whirling together over Millcombe, a single Skylark, nine Goldcrest, 14 Blackbird, four Fieldfare, two Song Thrush, 31 Redwing, 14 Robin, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, ten each of Dunnock and Meadow Pipit, 193 Chaffinch, six Brambling, seven Siskin and seven Linnet.

The seasonal wetland that forms near the water tanks in wet winters has filled up early this year... © Dean Jones

Redwing on the farmyard wall, Nov 2019 © Dean Jones

Thursday 14th November

A truly miserable day weather wise with strong and chilly north-easterlies coinciding with a constant deluge of rain throughout the day. Unsurprisingly due to these poor conditions, bird sightings were few and far between. The best of the bunch included a Sparrowhawk, two Stonechat, four Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

Friday 15th November

The strong and chilly north-easterlies continued though luckily dropped away somewhat by the afternoon. A rather quiet day bird wise with an adult Common Gull in the Landing Bay taking the crown of star bird for the day.

Other birds recorded included a single Teal, a Sparrowhawk, one Kestrel, four Skylark, five Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, two Song Thrush, 17 Redwing, three Stonechat, a Pied Wagtail, three Meadow Pipit, 12 Brambling, four Linnet and a Snow Bunting

Song Thrush on Halfway Wall, Nov 2019 © Dean Jones

Saturday 16th November

The winds continued to drop away overnight leaving a very welcome breeze come the morning – conditions which encouraged a decent arrival of thrushes overnight. Thankfully the weather stayed like this for the daylight hours at least with the winds only picking up slightly from the west during the dark hours of the evening.

Highlights from today included a stunning Mistle Thrush, probing the now sodden earth in Barton’s Field in hope for a meal and a rather startling Cetti’s Warbler – flushed from the thick brambles above St Helen’s Copse on the Upper East Side Path in the afternoon (next to the stream). Unfortunately views of the little beauty were rather brief and therefore I did not manage to see whether the bird was ringed or not. Could this little sneak be the same Cetti’s as the one from October in Millcombe, hopefully it’ll show itself again!

Other sightings included nine Mallard, two Oystercatcher, a single Snipe, ten Great Black-backed Gull, 43 Herring Gull, a single Lesser Black-backed Gull, four Skylark, a male Blackcap in Millcombe, c300 Starling, 41 Blackbird, 29 Fieldfare, 24 Song Thrush, 64 Redwing, five Robin, three Stonechat, nine Dunnock, six Meadow Pipit, 15 Rock Pipit (most of which were feeding together next to the Earthquake), 26 Chaffinch, a fly-over Greenfinch and two Goldfinch.

Sunday 17th November

The day started off with a whirlwind of wing beats as a flock of around 900 Starling arrived together from the south to forage in Barton Field. The noise of these calling birds as they arrived to the island came very suddenly and was near deafening at times – so much so that it startled poor Bill (one of our Lundy Ponies) making him rear up on his hind legs and bolt across the field as the birds alighted at his hooves.

Part of the early-morning Starling influx to Barto Field on 17 Nov © Dean Jones

Weather-wise, the island was blessed again with some beautiful late-autumn conditions with next to no wind, warm sunny spells and zero precipitation.

Highlights from this glorious autumnal day included a Cetti’s Warbler, this time calling from the vegetation in Millcombe Pond. A beautiful ringtail Hen Harrier – looking for a meal along Pyramid Slope, two Mistle Thrush upon the Sycamores in Millcombe first thing, a Firecrest in North Wood, 5 Reed Bunting (three together at Quarter Wall Pond and two at Pondsbury) and two Snow Bunting – feeding on the track at the top of St John’s Valley.

Other birds of note were: ten Mallard, nine Teal on Pondsbury, five Fulmar (four of which were on ledges in Jenny’s Cove), three Shag, singles of Woodcock and Water Rail in Millcombe, two Oystercatcher, two Snipe, 56 Herring Gull, a male Kestrel with Starling in talons over Barton Field, a female Merlin at Tibbetts, three Skylark, a male Blackcap in Millcombe, eight Goldcrest, 40 Blackbird, 18 Fieldfare, 17 Song Thrush, 77 Redwing, three Robin, three Stonechat, seven Dunnock, five Meadow Pipit, six Rock Pipit, 64 Chaffinch, four Brambling, a Greenfinch, six Goldfinch and a Linnet.

Report composed of sightings from Zoe Barton, Mike Jones, Pete Lambden and Martin Thorne.
 

10th Nov – Buntings & Bramblings

Sunday 10th November

Richard Campey reports a gloomy start to the day, with a small movement of thrushes and finches over Millcombe, including 19 Redwing, 16 Chaffinch, two Brambling and four Goldfinch. Out and about under clearing skies and increasing sunshine later in the day, Richard found: a Brambling in the High Street, two on the wall of Lighthouse Field and three more overhead; two Snow Buntings just to the west of the main track next to Tillage Field; a single Linnet near the pig sty; a Lapland Bunting calling in flight at Quarter Wall; a calling Golden Plover; a female Sparrowhawk off the East Side Path in the late afternoon; a male Blackcap at the top of Millcombe; and totals of six Stonechat and five Blackbird. Other visitors logged two Teal, two Gannet, plus a Buzzard being mobbed by Carrion Crows and a Peregrine at mid-day.

9th Nov – A quiet day

Richard Campey reports a quiet day birdwise, with blustery conditions limiting birding opportunities. His few sightings during the day comprised: a Snipe, five Goldcrests, two Chiffchaffs, a Redwing and a Song Thrush around the Terrace and Quarries; 11 Lesser Black-backed and 23 Herring Gulls on Pondsbury; and a Feral Pigeon and 18 Carrion Crows. Other visitors had logged six Redwings.

8th Nov – Lapland Bunting & Black Redstart

Friday 8th November

Richard Campey reports a "Beautiful day, with the wind dropping in the afternoon, but getting colder with a clear night following". Sightings included: a Lapland Bunting and three Fieldfares at Old Light; a male Black Redstart, a Stonechat and two Rock Pipits at Halfway Wall; two Goldcrests, a female Blackcap and a Redwing along the Terrace; the same or another Lapland Bunting on the path just south of Quarter Wall, with three more Stonechats in the same area; and a Linnet along the High Street. Totals logged included 2 Chiffchaffs (one if which was in the Tavern garden), 5 Stonechats, 30 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush and 372 Starlings.

Additional observers Mandy Dee and John Hedger.

Afternoon sun on the newly renovated Brambles Pond © Richard Campey

Old Light is also getting attention, but a Lapland Bunting here was more diverting still... © Richard Campey

6th Nov – Whooper Swans on Pondsbury

Wednesday 6th November

Two Whooper Swans were seen on Pondsbury, then in Lighthouse Field. There were also three Snow Buntings near the Rocket Pole. Continuing passage of Chaffinches and Starlings gave totals of 216 and 425 respectively. Other notable sightings included single Woodcock, Snipe and Merlin, small numbers of passage thrushes (15 Blackbird, 24 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare), six Goldcrest and a female Blackcap.

Record shot of adult Whooper Swans on Pondsbury, 6 Nov © Alan Rowland

Report compiled from observations by Chris & Mandy Dee and Alan & Sandra Rowland.

2nd & 3rd Nov – Hatches battened down...but Swallows battle through

Chris & Carol Baillie, have had a rather quiet time (bird-wise, at least...) on a storm-bound island, with their departure delayed by weather for two days.

Saturday 2nd November

"Strong westerlies have limited bird activity. Of note were two Swallows past Millcombe, a Firecrest and the on-staying Chiffchaff, Sparrowhawk and Merlin."

Sunday 3rd November

"Two Swallow, three overhead Skylark and a few Chaffinches on the move. Firecrest and Chiffchaff and five Goldcrests in Millcombe. Sea quiet."

1st Nov – Cetti’s Warbler reappears and seabirds on the move

Friday 1st November

The new month brought some murky conditions, but good birding as Chris & Carol Baillie relate:

"Overnight the winds calmed and moved south and south-southwest bringing fog to the plateau most of the day. Many Chaffinches and some Fieldfare and Redwing headed early into the mist. The Cetti’s Warbler reappeared in the same place it was first seen almost three weeks ago. The two Firecrests remained together with a Chiffchaff and (at least) six Blackcap. Six Teal were on Pondsbury. Feature of the day was a morning passage of seabirds passing Rat Island from the east and east-north-east. This was noticed shortly before 08.00 and involved more than a thousand auk sp. (estimating at least 700 being Guillemots), 750 Kittiwakes, and 40 Gannets. Noticeable was the presence of all Gannet age groups, the last nine days having featured nearly all adults. The passage stopped fairly abruptly, though some birds remained a while to feed off Surf Point. The direction of passage is notable as recent winds have also been easterly."

30th & 31st Oct – Easterly gales relent, migration resumes

Chris & Carol Baillie emerge from a gale-lashed Little St. John's...

Thursday 31st October

After two days of easterly gales the wind eased overnight and some modest movements of Chaffinch, Starling and Fieldfares was noticeable. Two each of Firecrest, Brambling and Chiffchaff, and singles of Golden Plover, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Kestrel and Song Thrush. Seven Stonechat.

29th Oct – Snow Bunting, Grey Heron & Brambling headline a windy day

Chris & Carol Baillie write:

Tuesday 29th October

"With easterly winds increasing overnight the only migrants evidently on the move were some Fieldfares first thing, but most chose to remain. A Grey Heron passed through Pondsbury and a Snow Bunting was on the track north of Threequarter Wall. A single Brambling fed among Chaffinches (175) and three Song Thrush made the best of a wind-blasted Millcombe."

28th Oct – Chaffinches post a season's best

The latest news from Chris & Carol Baillie:

Monday 28th October

"The switch to lively east winds and no sunshine has meant birds have either been migging visibly or down-hunkering (i.e. in flight or in cover!). The first hour saw a Millcombe bottle-neck due to three Peregrines, a Merlin and the Sparrowhawk staking out all southern air space. Chaffinch numbers were far above recent levels at 1,600 by midday, whilst Starlings at least doubled to 500. Gull numbers continue to increase, though there were no Kittiwakes to follow through on yesterday’s 500. A Woodcock survived a close encounter with the (perhaps over-ambitious) Sparrowhawk in Millcombe, and another was on the Terraces. The Little Egret added a touch of elegance to Brambles pool and two Teal (female and emerging-from-eclipse male) were on Pondsbury."

27th Oct – After the deluge...

A further update from Chris & Carol Baillie:

Sunday 27th October

"The most striking feature of the day was a very quiet initial visible migration, followed by Chaffinch flocks moving north and northwest, as were a few Siskin, and a handful of winter thrushes. Late morning saw restoration of a light migration south through the island. Four Cormorants passed north, and a Little Egret fed on flooded pools (“Lake District”) by the water tanks. In other news were two Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll, and the Merlin and Sparrowhawk. 500 Kittiwake and 110 Herring Gulls fed in the Roads. Low numbers of Meadow Pipits (12) and Linnets (6) continue. That 8 Swallows could survive recent conditions and make it to this contrastingly clear and sunny day is impressive."

26th Oct – Wet, wet wet!

With Friday 25th seeing the island battered by severe gales from mid-day, leading to a 'splash & dash' early departure for MS Oldenburg on its last passenger-carrying service of the season, Chris & Carol Baillie report on less wild, but extremely soggy conditions the following day...

Saturday 26th October

"After yesterday's gale settled overnight, constant rain led to swollen water courses – a mountain stream from Brambles into Millcombe. Few birds at sea, and those on land hunkered down. Six of the fifty or so Chaffinches departed this afternoon. The rest remain feeding up with four Brambling and a few Goldfinch. Fourteen Siskin passed north over the Terraces, and a Lapland Bunting called overhead as skies cleared this evening. No warblers or crests, and a single Fieldfare was the only winter thrush. Also two Snipe, a Merlin and a single Kestrel."

20th to 24th Oct – A stunning sunrise and some spectacular birding

Sunday 20th October
A day of moderate to strong north-easterlies and periods of sunshine and overcast.

Highpoints of the day included a decent arrival of Chaffinch first thing (132 in Millcombe) plus two very noisy Mistle Thrush feeding on berries in upper Millcombe, a grand total of six Snow Bunting (five of which were seen together just north of Threequarter Wall) and a Jack Snipe flushed from the Molinia grass just west of Pondsbury.

Other birds of note included two Teal on Pondsbury, a lone Fulmar in the Landing Bay, one south-bound Cormorant, the male and female Sparrowhawk together in Millcombe, a Water Rail, a fly-over Golden Plover, just three Skylark, four Swallow, three Chiffchaff,  five Blackcap, 26 Goldcrest, the Treecreeper, 202 Starling, four Blackbird, four Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 49 Redwing, eight Robin, 11 Stonechat, a single Wheatear at Halfway Wall, 80 Meadow Pipit, a Greenfinch, 18 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, just five Linnet and a Reed Bunting.

Redwing feeding on Hawthorn berries, Millcombe, 20 Oct © Dean Jones

Monday 21st October

A chilly, clear and overall very pleasant day weather-wise. Birding highlights included a Long-tailed Tit feeding in the Sycamores just above the Casbah in Millcombe. A whopping 107 Fieldfare, a count which included a spectacular flock of 80 birds flying NE over the Quarries in the early afternoon, and the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, again with its head in the chicken feed box next to the farmyard.

Rose-coloured Starling with friends in the chicken coop, 21 Oct © Dean Jones

Other birds of note included two Teal on Pondsbury, the male and female Sparrowhawk, two Water Rail, a fly-over Golden Plover, three Snipe, one Woodpigeon, a male Kestrel, a female Merlin, three Skylark, four Chiffchaff, six Blackcap, 20 Goldcrest, the Treecreeper, 250 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 10 Blackbird, 15 Song Thrush, 70 Redwing, nine Robin, 10 Stonechat, a Pied Wagtail, two unidentified alba wagtails, 25 Meadow Pipit, 50 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 13 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin, eight Linnet, a single fly-over Redpoll and a Reed Bunting over Quarter Wall.

Non-avian news featured 11 Portuguese Man o’war, 10 of which unfortunately had washed up along the shore of the Landing Bay (see photo below).

Portuguese Man o'War, Landing Bay, 21st Oct © Dean Jones

Tuesday 22nd October

An absolutely glorious day complete with clear skies, a stunning sunrise and next to no wind – perfect conditions for the newly arrived ringing team to get their mist-nets up and some truly superb visual migration, particularly during the first few hours of the morning.

Highlights from this spectacular day of birding include a Cetti’s Warbler caught and ringed in Millcombe in the afternoon, possibly the same bird that was found by Andy Jayne & Tim Jones by Millcombe Pond on October 14th. Three Jackdaws (a Lundy rarity) were also briefly present on the main track near Quarter Wall first thing. A rather late Lesser Whitethroat was found in the brambles next to the Timekeeper's Hut in the afternoon, two Yellow-browed Warbler were in Millcombe (one of which was caught and ringed) and the fourth Lapland Bunting of the year flew over Middle Park in the early morning, closely followed by two fly-over Snow Bunting!

Other birds of note include a lone female Teal on Pondsbury, the female Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, a fly-over Golden Plover, a single Snipe, a single Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Woodpigeon, a female Merlin, 30 Skylark, a late Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, two House Martin, seven Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, 25 Goldcrest, the Treecreeper (caught and ringed in Millcombe), 203 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 40 Blackbird, 25 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 100 Redwing, a single Mistle Thrush in Millcombe, six Robin, three Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a White Wagtail in Barton Field, six unidentified alba wagtails, 100 Meadow Pipit, 200 Chaffinch, four Brambling, a Greenfinch, 19 Goldfinch, 56 Siskin, 19 Linnet, two fly-over Redpoll and a Reed Bunting over Millcombe.

Sunrise over Millcombe, 22 Oct © Dean Jones

Cetti's Warbler, Millcombe, 22 Oct © Dean Jones

Wednesday 23rd October

Another fantastic day of birding and clear/calm conditions. The undoubted highlight of the day was the occurrence of a Little Bunting in the shelf of a mist-net in Millcombe mid-morning, the 20th record for the island and the 7th to be ringed – a spectacular start to the day!

Following the star bird, birders on the island were also blessed with some spectacular numbers of Chaffinches. A very conservative estimate of 1,000 birds passed Lundy during the day, along with some good numbers of Siskin (100) and a smattering of Brambling (one of which was trapped and ringed). Additionally the first Woodcock of the year was seen, flushed from the path below the Ugly whilst checking the slope mist-net. Nearby a female Bullfinch spent most of the day flying around Millcombe – the second of the year following a stunning male at the top of the valley on January 5th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was busily feeding in Quarter Wall Copse in the afternoon. The first Black Redstart of the autumn was also seen, bobbing away upon the roof of Government House in the evening. A very late female Common Redstart was trapped and ringed in Millcombe and the fifth Lapland Bunting of the autumn shot over St John’s in the early afternoon.

Other birds of note on this glorious autumn day included a single Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater calling in the early hours, the female Sparrowhawk, three Water Rail in Millcombe, a fly-over Golden Plover, one Woodpigeon, a Merlin, nine Skylark, six Swallow, a late Willow Warbler on the Terrace, seven Chiffchaff, 20 Blackcap, the Lesser Whitethroat again near the Terrace, a Firecrest (caught and ringed in Millcombe), 26 Goldcrest, the Treecreeper, 285 Starling, a Ring Ouzel in Upper Millcombe, 40 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, four Song Thrush, 250 Redwing, 20 Robin, six Stonechat, two Grey Wagtail having a rest on the roof of the Radio Room, two Pied Wagtail, 31 Meadow Pipit, three Brambling, three Greenfinch, nine Goldfinch, three Linnet and a single Reed Bunting.

Little Bunting, Millcombe, 23 Oct © Ellie Zantboer

Thursday 24th October

A rather dim and overcast start to the day but slighter warmer despite the winds picking up overnight and the lack of morning sunshine.

All in all, today was much quieter bird-wise with most of yesterday’s thrushes and finches moving off in the clear and relatively calm overnight conditions. Highlights included a Little Egret on Pondsbury in the early afternoon and the female Bullfinch again – this time outside Bramble Villas on the now foliage-devoid Sycamores. Herring Gull numbers also made a massive jump up today (total 140) with multiple flocks moving north along the east coast throughout the morning – perhaps moving in anticipation of tomorrow's storms!

Other birds of note included the female Sparrowhawk, two Water Rail in Millcombe, five Golden Plover (the highest count of the autumn so far), a Woodcock, one Snipe, 16 Kittiwake, two Lesser Black-backed Gull, a female Kestrel, a Merlin, five Skylark, four Swallow, three Chiffchaff, eight Blackcap, two Firecrest (one caught and ringed in Millcombe), 17 Goldcrest, the Treecreeper, 230 Starling, 13 Blackbird, six Fieldfare, four Song Thrush, 17 Redwing, 10 Robin, two Black Redstart, three Stonechat, one Grey Wagtail, two Pied Wagtail, just 10 Meadow Pipit, 170 Chaffinch, three Brambling, two Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, three Linnet, a Snow Bunting and a single Reed Bunting.

Report composed of sightings from Chris & Carol Baillie, Zoë Barton, James Booty, Sam Bosanquet, Rob Duncan, Paul Goodwin, Mark & Jo Harris, Dean Jones, Dan Zantboer, Ellie Zantboer and Justin Zantboer.

16th to 19th Oct – More action-packed days and a potential 'first' for the island!

Wednesday 16th October

The day started bright but with a stiff and distinctly chilly WNW wind, which gradually eased during the day, when broken cloud gave long sunny intervals and pin-sharp light in the afternoon.

Post-dawn migration was much quieter than Tuesday 15th, with 75 minutes on Castle Hill from 07.30 hrs yielding <100 Meadow Pipit, a dozen Linnet and a handful each of Redwing and Chaffinch. Three House Sparrow appeared to be leaving the island quite high to the SE, though we couldn't rule out the possibility that they turned back at some point.

From mid-morning onwards, the East Side afforded shelter for passage hirundines, including 200 Swallow, 15 House Martin and a single late Sand Martin. Small flocks of Siskin flying south (totalling some 90 birds) were also a feature, alongside a steady trickle of Skylark (30) and Meadow Pipit (400 logged, including foraging/resting flocks on top of the island).

Numbers of grounded migrants were well down on 15th, though two Ring Ouzel remained (singles in Millcombe and along the Terrace), together with a scattering of Redwing (25), Song Thrush (12), Blackcap (6), Chiffchaff (9) and Goldcrest (12). Notable sightings included two Teal (Pondsbury), two Merlin in the northern half of the island, a Willow Warbler, a Firecrest, the Treecreeper, the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling (feeding in the chicken run again), six Reed Bunting and a lone Snow Bunting calling in flight over Tibbetts.

The calmer seas and clear light afforded excellent conditions later in the day for watching seabirds feeding and moving off the East Side, with consolidated totals comprising: three Common Scoter, three Manx Shearwater, 54 Gannet, 15 Shag, 140 Kittiwake, two Mediterranean Gull, an adult Black-headed Gull, an adult and 1st-w Common Gull, a Bonxie, a pale-phase Arctic Skua and 200 auk sp.

Treecreeper, Millcombe, 16 Oct 2019 © Dean Jones

Thursday 17th October

A strong and gusty southerly wind put paid to any thoughts of standing on Castle Hill to monitor visible migration. Although there were small numbers of Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch and Siskin on the move, they were wisely keeping low down in the lee of the East Side as they battled into the headwind. Conditions remained pretty blowy all day, but the wind gradually veered to the SW, and heavy showers developed in the afternoon.

The highlight of the day was the discovery of a first-winter Barred Warbler feeding (together with a small group of Blackcaps) on blackberries, initially just south of the Terrace and later on a bramble clump in the middle of the Terrace Heligoland Trap willow thicket. Whilst enjoying the Barred Warbler, observers were also treated to sightings offshore of a Manx Shearwater, at least four Mediterranean Gulls (still a scarce, if increasingly regular, species for the island), a Bonxie and a juvenile Pomarine Skua, alongside feeding Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks.

Other notable records included a single Cormorant, a Stock Dove (in flight off the Ugly), two Merlin, a male Kestrel, a Common Redstart (Terrace/quarries), Ring Ouzel (Terrace), the Treecreeper, the juv Rose-coloured Starling, the third Lapland Bunting of the autumn (calling as it flew S past Old House South and the Church) and a Snow Bunting over the Terrace.

First-winter Barred Warbler, Terrace Trap thicket, 17 Oct 2019 © Dean Jones

Friday 18th October

A really wild day of weather, with the southwesterlies that were already pretty boisterous at dawn getting stronger and gustier during the day and blowing in a rash of showers, some of which were of almost tropical intensity, bringing a mix of huge raindrops, hailstones and the odd rumble of thunder.

The West Side and plateau were completely blown out, meaning that observations were restricted to the East Side, with the sea getting the most attention as observers crammed into the small shelter on the Ugly. An early expedition to the Terrace to try and relocate the Barred Warbler ended in cold and soggy failure, though there were sufficient sunny intervals to tempt the bird out, had it still been present.

Seawatching yielded five Manx Shearwater, an adult & 2nd-w Mediterranean Gull, a 1st-w Common Gull, 3 Bonxies, and a pale-phase Arctic Skua, among the commoner species. Tim Davis found a Short-eared Owl that briefly flew out over the Landing Bay and dropped back into cover below the Beach Road, whilst a Brambling was seen near Blue Bung.

Sighting of the day – and potentially one of the sightings of the year – came late in the afternoon when Martin Elcoate photographed a very pale, sandy wheatear with a prominently contrasting black alula, which appears to be a strong candidate for Lundy's (and indeed Devon's) first Isabelline Wheatear. What was almost certainly the same bird whipped past Martin, James Diamond, Dean Jones and Tim Jones standing on the Ugly at just after 14.00 hrs (almost taking Martin's head off in the process!), and was very briefly seen again in flight on the other side of the valley near Hanmers a few minutes later, by Dean and Tim. However, it was not until after 16.30 hrs that Martin encountered it on the Beach Road just below the Goat Path, when he was able to snatch a few photos, including the one below. The bird flew up the sidelands and appeared to land somewhere below Hanmers, but in failing light and deteriorating weather conditions could not be relocated by Martin, Tim or James (who had quickly responded to a text message from Martin).

Candidate Isabelline Wheatear, Beach Road, 18 Oct © Martin Elcoate

Saturday 19th October

A complete change of weather brought a dry day of light WNW winds and blue skies, enabling birds and birders alike to bask in long sunny spells, making it feel positively summery in the shelter of the East Side.

Although there was no immediate pulse of visible migration after dawn, things got going a bit more as the morning wore on, with combined totals of 50 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 25 Skylark, two Grey Wagtail, five alba wagtail, 120 Meadow Pipit, 25 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 30 Goldfinch, 30 Siskin and 40 Linnet, as well as a passing flock of 8 Cormorant, by early afternoon. It was also quickly evident that there had been a significant overnight arrival of grounded migrants, notably Goldcrests, which were all over the place as they filtered south, 150 being a very conservative estimate. Also to be seen were 15 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 150 Redwing and 40 Robin, whilst a high count of 16 Dunnock also suggested a small influx. Other notable records included a single Yellow-browed Warbler in Millcombe (giving prolonged, close-range views at times) plus a second bird calling in bracken below the Timekeeper's Hut, a Willow Warbler in bracken along the Lower East Side Path, five Ring Ouzel (one in Millcombe and four around the Terrace/quarries), a Fieldfare in Barton Field, the Treecreeper in Millcombe, the Rose-coloured Starling (still feeding in the chicken run), a Reed Bunting and a Snow Bunting. The undoubted highlight was a Quail, only the third on Lundy in the last decade and the first autumn record since 1989, flushed from the Lower East Side Path above White Beach during the late morning.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Millcombe, 19 Oct 2019 © Martin Elcoate

Common and Rose-coloured Starlings, chicken run, 19 Oct 2019 © Martin Elcoate

Compiled from sightings by Tim Davis, James Diamond, Martin Elcoate, Andy Jayne, Dean Jones, Tim Jones, David Oddy, and Mark & Julia Webber.

15th Oct – A spectacular day of migration

Tuesday 15th October

A predominantly dry, bright day with patchy cloud, long sunny spells and a light to moderate WSW wind.

A memorably migrant-filled day from first light, when flocks of Redwings began flying out of Millcombe and out to sea against the orange glow of the sun rising in the south east. Totals (beginning with thrushes, the stars of the day) included:

450 Redwing, 60 Song Thrush, 25 Ring Ouzel (including 16 around the Terrace and Quarries), 4 Mistle Thrush, 4 Fieldfare, 17 Blackbird, 8 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 100 Skylark, 250 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 20 Chiffchaff (including 1 tristis), 17 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest, 15 Goldcrest, 400 Starling, 320 Meadow Pipit, 30 alba wagtail, 130 Siskin, 1 redpoll sp., 50 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch,14 Snow Bunting (just N of Threequarter Wall) and 6 Reed Bunting. Scarcities and late migrants included 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Grey Heron, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier (near Montagu Steps), 1 Black-headed Gull (off the Landing Bay), the Treecreeper (Millcombe), the Cetti's Warbler (St John's Valley), 1 Willow Warbler (St Helen's Copse & lower Millcombe), a Richard’s Pipit (Airfield), 1 Spotted Flycatcher (Millcombe) and 1 Yellow Wagtail (in off the sea at Threequarter Wall).

Snow Bunting, north of Threequarter Wall, 15 Oct © Martin Elcoate

One of at least 25 Ring Ouzels that made landfall along the East Side of Lundy on 15 Oct © Martin Elcoate

On the non-avian front, the sun brought out quite a lot of butterflies, including 35 Red Admiral, 4 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock and 3 Small Copper.

Compiled from observations by Zoe Barton, Belinda Cox, Tim Davis, Mandy Dee, James Diamond, Martin Elcoate, Andy Jayne, Dean Jones and Tim Jones.

12th to 14th October – Red-eyed Vireo, Cetti's Warbler and a Blackcap fall

Saturday 12th October

A significant drop in the wind gave migrants a welcome weather window to push south and there was a large overnight fall of Blackcaps, with 150 being a very conservative estimate. There were 60 along the Terrace in the morning and at least 100 in Millcombe during the afternoon, with every bramble and blackthorn clump seeming to hold multiple birds, which had formed into several loose flocks. Alongside the Blackcaps were 50 Goldcrests and 8 Chiffchaffs. There were strong movements of Swallow (100) and Meadow Pipit (600) during the day, whilst other sightings included a Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, a Golden Plover, 14 Snipe over Pondsbury, 2 Kestrel, 30 Skylark, 11 House Martin, 3 Redwing, 3 Wheatear, 12 Pied/alba Wagtails, 15 Rock Pipit, 1 Greenfinch, 15 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 4 Linnet.

The most unusual species of the day was a juvenile Whooper Swan flying SW over the Castle early in the morning. There was also a Yellow-browed Warbler by the gas store in Millcombe, the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was seen by the lambing shed, and a Snow Bunting was flushed from the track at the Battlements.

Sunday 13th October

An overcast and increasingly damp morning with squally showers gave way to long sunny spells in the afternoon.

Most of Saturday’s Blackcaps and Goldcrests had moved on overnight. Highlight of the day was a Red-eyed Vireo, the 9th for the island, which was discovered in Quarter Wall Copse at around 13.30. After perching prominently in the open for several minutes when it was first seen on the northern edge of the copse, the bird dropped back into the trees and eluded all binoculars for the next hour or so, but was eventually seen by all those present, between 15.00 and 15.30 as it fed in the tree tops, along with several Goldcrest and two Firecrest for company.

Other notable records included the juvenile Dotterel, which was relocated on the Airfield, a Merlin, a Jack Snipe at Pondsbury, a Yellow-browed Warbler in lower Millcombe (Smelly Gully), the Treecreeper, 3 Reed Bunting in the Pondsbury and Quarter Wall area, and a Snow Bunting calling in flight over the Terrace. Among the commoner migrants were 35 Swallow, including some that were clearly struggling in the windy and often very wet conditions and an emaciated juvenile was found dead near Brambles. Also 2 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 20 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, 5 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 7 Snipe, 19 Kittiwake, 11 Woodpigeon, 1 Kestrel, 35 Skylark, 10 House Martin, 12 Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, 15 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, 17 Robin, 8 Stonechat, 200 Meadow Pipit, 2 Siskin and 20 Linnet.

Monday 14th October

An overcast but mainly dry day, with some patchy light drizzle in the afternoon, and a stiff SE that gradually eased later in the day, falling light by evening.

It was evident first thing that there had been a further clear-out of migrants, which was unsurprising given plenty of clear, moonlit spells overnight. At times it was difficult to find a migrant in Millcombe or along the Lower East Side Path. Nevertheless, there were still new birds to be found, with the highlight being Lundy’s 5th Cetti’s Warbler, which called and showed briefly twice around the edge of Millcombe Pond mid-morning.

Other notable sightings included the Yellow-browed Warbler in lower Millcombe, a late Willow Warbler in the sallows in St John’s Valley, the Treecreeper in Millcombe, the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling in the chicken run, 3 Reed Bunting (one in flight over Castle Hill and two at Quarter Wall), and a Snow Bunting at the western end of Quarter Wall. The supporting cast included 2 Teal, 2 Grey Heron flying north-east off the East Side, a Cormorant, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, a Golden Plover, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 25 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 8 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 200 Starling, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 11 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 7 Pied/alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 150 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 19 Chaffinch, 40 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin and 31 Linnet.

Compiled from observations by Zoe Barton, Tim Davis, Mandy Dee, James Diamond, Darrin Dowding, Ken Ebsworthy, Martin Elcoate, Andy Jayne, Dean Jones, Tim Jones and Ryan Miller.

9th to 11th Oct – Rosy Starling & Dotterel remain; good seawatching

Wednesday 9th October

A day of strong westerlies; overcast with a number of heavy downpours in the afternoon.

Birding highlights included the continued presence of the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling which was seen resting on top of one of the sparrow nestboxes in the farmyard in the mid-afternoon. The young Dotterel also remained on the island for another day in its new favoured spot next to Quarry Cottages.

Other sightings from a rather soggy day's birding included 7 Cormorant past Rat Island, the long-staying Grey Heron, the female Sparrowhawk, 12 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 3 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Robin, 2 Stonechat, a Pied Wagtail, just 15 Meadow Pipit, a Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch and 2 Snow Buntings on the track next to Tibbetts.

Juvenile Rose-coloured Starling in the farmyard, 9 Oct © Dean Jones

Juvenile Dotterel near Quarry Cottages, 9 Oct © Dean Jones

Thursday 10th October

Not much has changed weather-wise since yesterday with strong west-south-westerlies throughout, overcast and a number of showers or out-and-out downpours again...

Star birds from today included the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, this time feeding within the chicken enclosure in the farmyard. Additionally the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn was seen flitting through the canopy behind the Millcombe gas store, accompanied by a number of Goldcrest and the Treecreeper.  Lastly a Little Egret was seen flying north along the east coast in the late morning. 

Other sightings include the Grey Heron again, a male and female Sparrowhaw, a flyover Golden Plover, a single Snipe, 7 Woodpigeon, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 7 Robin, a single Stonechat, 2 Pied Wagtail, 33 Meadow Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 12 Goldfinch, a single Lesser Redpoll, 12 Linnet and a Snow Bunting on the track next to Tibbetts.

Friday 11th October

A morning seawatch produced a nice selection of 4 Balearic Shearwaters, 3 Arctic Skuas, a Mediterranean Gull and a Great Northern Diver, amongst good numbers of auks and Kittiwakes. Records from later in the day will be added in due course.

Report composed of sightings from Zoë Barton, Paul Bullock, Darrin Dowding, Ken Ebsworthy, Andy Jayne, Dean Jones, Pete Lambden, Ryan Miller, Tim Smith and Martin Thorne.

5th to 8th Oct – Rose-coloured Starling, Dotterel & Snow Buntings head a varied cast

The latest update from Lundy Warden Dean Woodfin Jones on the remarkable variety of birds still managing to make landfall on the island, in spite – or maybe because – of the continuing very changeable, at times stormy, conditions of recent days...

Saturday 5th October

A beautiful still day throughout – conditions which were a very welcome change from the strong winds as of late. Lots of sunny spells in the early morning up until 11:00, then thick fog for about an hour or so – clearing by the early afternoon, though staying mainly overcast for the rest of the day.

Sightings included the Grey Heron, the female Sparrowhawk, a single Water Rail, a number of calling Manx Shearwater over the Village in the evening, 15 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a lone Firecrest, 10 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 8 Robin, 1 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 2 alba wagtails, 50 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch and 3 Linnet.

Sunday 6th October

The winds return! Once again it was a day of strong north-westerlies coupled with scattered clouds and sunny spells in the morning – giving way to beautiful clear skies by the afternoon.

Today saw a small overnight arrival of migrants in clear, calm conditions, including a small fall of Goldcrest (40) and Blackcap (30) as well as some decent October Swallow passage throughout the day (totalling 107). Highlights includes a young Dotterel which was found foraging around the Old Hospital in the afternoon, a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling that made a brief appearance in the High Street pig sty, and a total of 3 Snow Bunting were recorded along the main track up to North End.

Other sightings included the Grey Heron in Barton Field, 20 Gannet, a single Cormorant, 2 fly-over Golden Plover, female Sparrowhawk, a calling Water Rail, 30 Kittiwake, 30 Woodpigeon, a Merlin, 5 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 10 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, a lone Firecrest, 6 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, a late Spotted Flycatcher, 14 Robin, 10 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 12 Pied Wagtails, 6 Chaffinch, 40 Goldfinch and 20 Linnet.

The long-staying Grey Heron outside Barton Cottages, 6 Oct © Dean Jones

Small Coppers took advantage of some sunny shelter to feed on Yarrow in Millcombe, 6 Oct © Dean Jones

Monday 7th October

A very wet start to the day with frequent squalls and fog rolling in on strong south-westerly winds up until 13:00 at least. The winds then shifted to the west/north-west by the afternoon and the fog gave way to a mix of sunny spells and overcast periods.

The birding highlight today was undoubtedly the presence of a Kingfisher in the late morning – a bird which whizzed past Martin Thorne as he was taking photographs of a number of tagged seals (animals which have been rescued and rehabilitated) in the Devil’s Kitchen.

Other sightings included 7 Fulmar on ledges in Jenny’s Cove, the Grey Heron again, 6 Gannet, a single Cormorant, 19 Oystercatcher, a Snipe, the female Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, a Great Skua, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 5 Robin, 4 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 46 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch and 20 Linnet.

The wind and waves pile into Jenny's Cove on a stormy afternoon, 7 Oct © Dean Jones

Tuesday 8th October

Breezy westerlies again this morning picking up to a strong wind by the afternoon. Lots of lovely sunny weather and scattered clouds today with only one or two brief showers in the late morning.

Highlights included the second Treecreeper of the autumn in Millcombe and the re-appearance of the young Dotterel, this time around the Quarry Cottages.

Juvenile Dotterel, Quarry Cottages, 8 Oct © Ester Spears

Other sightings included the long-staying Grey Heron, 20 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 16 Kittiwake, 10 Woodpigeon, 2 Skylark, 80 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 6 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Pied Wagtail, 50 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch and single Linnet.

Report composed of sightings from Zoë Barton, Paul Bullock, Darrin Dowding, Ken Ebsworthy, Jane Harding, Dean Jones, Ryan Miller, Dawn Murphy, Grant Sherman and Martin Thorne.