Friday 23rd September 2011

Weather consisted of a gentle to moderate westerly wind with some cloud cover. Migrants observed passing through were 1 Shelduck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 60 Black-headed Gull, 6 Sand Martin, 289 Swallow, 48 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Pied Wagtail, 52 Meadow Pipit, 65 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, 14 Siskin, 10 Linnet and 17 Redpoll. 1 Northern Wheatear was found out on the reserve. 6 Mediterranean Gulls were found. 18 birds ringed today; 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Northern Wheatear, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Dunnock and 1 female Sparrowhawk. Butterflies recorded were Brown Argus, Comma, Small Heath, Small Copper and Red Admiral. In the moth traps a Ni Moth is a good migrant to get; also worth a mention a Pearly Underwing.