By Thomas Weston
I awoke to do census and got up and ready. The wind being a NW is great for new arrivals on the island and today I was not disappointed.
Lapland Bunting in Brick Field by Thomas Weston
On census there was Blackcaps everywhere, there had obviously been a big fall of birds and counts in Millcombe were above 50 birds (more likely 100+) - a good start to the day. The damp, cloudy conditions did not do much for the other species though, who in fact kept themselves hunkered down in the bushes. However, there were two Goldcrests, a few Willow Warblers and a small increase in Chiffchaffs, as well as brief views of a Firecrest in the trees above the Casbah. Walking along the southern section of the island and a flock of Ravens were the most noteworthy, as well as a couple of Skylark in the Airfield. As I was walking back into the Village, a single House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, and 3 Swallows were the only hirundines seen. However, Ian had spotted something in Brick Field and I could see from a distance he was trying to work out where this bird was. On arrival, even before asking a Lapland Bunting was heard, and then seen hopping around the floor near the gate before moving onto the main track nearby. This rather active bird was a lovely spot, and a first for the census this year. Having at least 2, possibly up to 7 Lapland Buntings on the island yesterday, it was great to see this one. It certainly was active, and if reading about the species, it was a strong flyer, getting up and heading south to Benjamin's Chair where it spent the remainder of the day feeding. Elsewhere, another Lapland Bunting was seen at North End, the Western Bonelli's Warbler was still in Millcombe, but no sign of the Common Rosefinch, or Wryneck today.
It will be interesting to see how the ringers got on today, and other sightings from elsewhere at the daily log in the Tavern tonight!