by Greg Lee
A stunning late autumn morning with the wind reduced to complete stillness, such a rare sight on Lundy in autumn. As a result, it allowed for hearing of most things passing overhead and it was quite clear things were moving overhead with Chaffinches, Redwings, Fieldfares and Skylarks all in numbers as well as large Starling flocks appearing off the sea. A few Chiffchaffs in Lower Millcombe were flitting around along with a couple of Goldcrests and a nice Firecrest. The Hen Harrier once again re-appeared, this time over St Helen’s Copse before heading northwards. Today in fact, saw one of my best census totals ever with 48 species, with flyover Siskins, Bramblings, Goldfinches, a Lapland Bunting and best of all, the explosive call of a Richard's Pipit over the Airfield, which I was able to record quite well with my microphone. Interestingly, there appears to have been a big arrival of the latter species across Britain today, particularly along the west with multiple seen in different locations. The Snow Buntings totalled four and were qutie mobile, being heard calling around South-west Field. A big surprise was the drake Wigeon at Quarter Wall pond, having been absent since the brief sighting from Thomas the other day, fortunately some Redwings were more showy and allowed some photographs to be taken. Around the Village, a Teal was on Barton Pond and the Jackdaw was in front of Pigs, two nice additions to the daylist.
Redwing by G.Lee
Later on in the day, after writing some descriptions and office business, I then hit the Lower East Path, though I made sure to check Millcombe, where I was surprised to see a Bullfinch feeding in the Brambles near the top. Only the second for the year. The rest of the east was rather quiet, with a few additional Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests gleaned in the impressive cliffside Sallows below Quarter Wall copse. At least two Long-tailed Tits were still hanging around in St Helen's Copse in addition.
Bullfinch by G.Lee