7th October

 Another blustery day made viewing difficult at times although thankfully there was no rain today. A new Yellow-browed Warbler was heard calling in the Paddock although it was not possible to see it in the windy conditions.  A second yellow-browed Warbler was seen early afternoon at the Gun Emplacement, presumably the bird first seen on the 5th & 6th. 

23 Stonechats were encountered today. This may be a site record.

There was plenty of overhead movement early on with Siskins and Redpolls again dominating. However there was an interesting passage south of house Sparrows with around 45 seen during the morning. A Bullfinch was also seen flying over. Although this is a regular species recorded at Bockhill it is not often encountered on a viz mig session. Skylarks continued to arrive and as usual were observed coming straight in off ( as opposed to following the coast as other diurnal migrants tend to do). 43 were counted. 

Hirdundines included 200 Swallows, 800 House Martins and a single Sand Martin. 

Warblers were hard to come by with only 17 Chiffchaffs and eight Blackcaps. One Lesser Whitethroat was by the monument in the afternoon. Also seen one Firecrest and eight Goldcrests.

Visiting birders reported seeing a Red-rumped Swallow and a Hobby. Also a Wryneck was reported from the Bay.

Lesser Whitethroat (BR)

Lesser Whitethroat (BR)

Firecrest -Hope Point (BR)