23rd October

The winds change to easterly and predictably Firecrests and Black Redstarts arrive and everything else departs. This is the first day in sometime in which Ring Ouzel has not been seen. 

We put in a marathon stint today from dawn until late afternoon and covered a lot of ground.  21 Firecrests were recorded including four around Oldstairs,  along with 73 Goldcrests including 17 around Oldstairs. A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard briefly by Phil along the Leas near the old hotel. 22 Chiffchaffs were seen with another four at Oldstairs. Only one Blackcap was heard.

Seven Black Redstarts were seen including four on the Undercliff. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the Freedown and nine Stonechats were encountered.

Overhead there were 39 Swallows, 24 alba Wagtails, two Redpolls, two Bramblings, 725 Goldfinches and seven Rock Pipits ( or possibly Water Pipits!)

Phil and Brendan

Firecrest with ring at Oldstairs

Black Redstarts- Undercliff 

Black Redstart- Undercliff