Bird Sightings

Three Common Scoter were seen in the morning off the south end, the first record for October. In Millcombe a Manx Shearwater was heard in flight pre-dawn, along with two Yellow-browed Warbler, three Ring Ouzel, three Reed Bunting, a flyover Grey Wagtail, and a late Reed Warbler ringed over the day. In addition, an unringed Reed Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, and two Firecrest were recorded along the East Sidelands. A Wheatear was around Jenny's Cove, and eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls equals the highest count so far for October, on the 13th. Chaffinch passage continued through the day with a total of 598.

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

Finch passage increased notably with 213 Chaffinch, 49 Goldfinch, 71 Siskin, and four Brambling, the first of the autumn, recorded today. 14 Barnacle Geese were seen touring the island around midday. A Lapland Bunting flew south along the west coast, and a Snow Bunting was feeding on the main track by the airfield. Three Reed Warbler were in Millcombe and St John's Valley, two were trapped and ringed. A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen by Millcombe Pond, and a Willow Warbler in Punchbowl Valley. Two Firecrest and a Spotted Flycatcher in Millcombe also. A male Ring Ouzel was at North Quarry, a Fieldfare was feeding in Barton's Field, three Grey Wagtail overhead, and a Tree Pipit flew west over Benjamin's Chair. Six Water Rail recorded today is a notable count for the autumn. Three Merlin and Two Sparrowhawk were recorded, and the Short-toed Lark was seen around its favoured cowpat.

Chaffinch in St John's Valley ©Tom Williams

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Three Whooper Swan, two adults and a juvenile, were seen flying north up the west side of the island this morning, as well as being picked up distantly over Gannets' Combe by passengers on the MS Oldenburg. An increase in Thrush and Finch passage today saw three Ring Ouzel and 69 Redwing recorded in the morning, with 3 Siskin and 63 Goldfinch also tallied. 3 Firecrest were seen in Millcombe, a late Tree Pipit was heard at Belle Vue Cottages, single Grey Wagtail heard at Bramble Villa, and a Reed Bunting ranged across Quarter Wall. Hirundine passage is dwindling with a Sand Martin the highlight among 39 Swallow and 11 House Martin. 2 Merlin were seen, and singles of Golden Plover and Teal.

Ring Ouzel in flight over Millcombe ©Tom Williams

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