by Greg Lee
A relatively gentle day off for me today as I am recovering from an unexpected and unwelcome bout of Shingles, the first time I’ve suffered this affliction. Regardless, a course of antivirals is currently working its magic and therefore I’m still making sure I have the energy to get out into the field, particularly during one of my favourite times of year for birding!
Luckily, others were on hand to get some good bird sightings across the island this year, with Roger and Emma spotting our second Common Buzzard of the year drifting over the island before settling down on the Airfield. Thomas and Eleanor also carried out census and were duly rewarded with two Tree Pipits dropping down on the route, a Ringed Plover over Millcombe, three Whitethroats and ten Willow Warblers.
As it was a bit of a scorcher today, I waited until evening to enjoy and calm and cooler walk. I chose the route past Pondsbury before doubling back and walking past the Quarries and following the Lower East Path. The North-eastern corner of Pondsbury is looking nice and muddy, perfect for some wader action. However, I couldn’t rustle up any waders today, but I instead sighted the juvenile Grey Heron that has been lingering over the past week, even flying over a staff get-together in Millcombe on Sunday night! A British Yellow Wagtail also flew up from the vegetation before landing elsewhere. Starting my route on the Quarries, I sighted a few Willow Warblers in the Bracken, walking further along, I sighted a bird dart out in a familiar fashion before perching again, spotting some white outer tail-feathers as it flew. When I raised my binoculars, I was pleased to be looking at my first Pied Flycatcher of autumn, always an exciting benchmark for me of the autumn migration period and bang on cue with the easterly winds coming across from the near-Continent. Upon reaching the Terrace, I would count a further 16 Willow Warblers, as well as a Spotted Flycatcher and hiding in the Willows, I made out the distinctive lack of features of a Garden Warbler as it worked its way through the leaves. Further along the lower East, a second Spotted Flycatcher was in Quarter Wall Copse and a second Pied Flycatcher was in the Pines at Millcombe, making for a very rewarding evening wander!
Pied Flycatcher by G.Lee