At this time of year, any wind direction from the east can provide rather decent autumnal birding, scarcities and rarities and today was exactly one of those days with a good arrival of migrants of our Scandinavian variety.
Dawn broke and it was evident that there had been a decent fall over night as today produced 150+ Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 1 Pallas's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, c.30 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, c.25 Robin, 40 Goldfinch, 35 Greenfinch, 22 Chaffinch, 18 Linnet, 8 Brambling, 6 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 11 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 3 Black Redstart, 2 Woodcock, 2 Coal Tit (continental race).
A stunning Pallas's Warbler turned up in a net mid morning and showed on and off throughout the day. The last one was ringed way back in 2008 at the observatory so a very welcome visitor.
Sea watching produced 150 Brent Geese, 10 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Turnstone, 1+ Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 2 Great Skua.
Ringing: 152 birds were ringed during the day from dawn until dusk which included 115 Goldcrest, 10 Blackbird, 8 Robin, 3 Firecrest, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Brambling, 1 Redwing, 1 Woodcock and 1 Pallas's Warbler.