The 12th October saw the largest passerine passage of the month so far, with the 13th and 14th feeling much quieter in comparison. Peak counts on the 12th included 250 Meadow Pipit, 375 Chaffinch, and 114 Redwing, along with other good birds in lower numbers including two Ring Ouzel, Brambling, Reed Warbler, and three Yellow-browed Warblers, with one being trapped and ringed. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were also present around Millcombe on the 14th, with none recorded on the 13th. Four Reed Bunting on the 13th represents the peak count for the autumn so far. Two Whinchat ranged south of Quarter Wall on the 14th. A bedraggled Stock Dove has been seen around the Village since the 12th, and the first Jack Snipe of autumn was seen today in Southwest Field. Merlin numbers appear to be on the increase with at least 4 birds on the 13th and 3 on the 14th. The long-staying Short-toed Lark appears to have departed with no sightings since the 11th of October.
Merlin beneath Benjamin's Chair ©Tom Williams