6th October

A good day frustrated at times by heavy rain especially early morning. The first few hours saw a good arrival of Song Thrushes (140) plus a few Redwing and seven Mistle Thrushes. Later two Ring Ouzels were located on the clifftop and another on The Rough. Early movements also included at least two Bramblings, a Redpoll, several alba and one Grey Wagtails.  Also during this period two Merlins were seen coming in off, chasing a Swallow en route.

There were six Stonechats on the clifftop and  Whinchats were seen in three locations.

A steady movement of hirundines included a late Sand Martin and a late Swift.

No systematic count was made of Chiffs or Blackcaps but the Cetti's Warbler was still at Hope Point much to the relief of Nigel and a Lesser Whitethroat was near the Bluebird cafe. Richard had a Yellow-browed Warbler near his house in Kingsdown on his way home. Goldcrests were not counted but seemed to have increased, a Firecrest was also in Kingsdown.

A Nightingale was heard in the Freedown but failed to show in spite of a concerted search.

Phil, Nigel, Brendan, Richard & Jack

Cetti's Warbler (Nigel Jarman)