Thursday September 17th - After the Rain

There was a lot - Heavy monsoon-like downpours yesterday afternoon and throughout the night , but seemed to have cleared by the morning. I went to Blackdown first thing for a walk. It did feel that the birds may have either drowned or gone elsewhere, but eventually I caught up with a few. At least 8 Stonechat and a Dartford Warbler were keeping tabs on anything else that moved and 5 Mistle Thrush was a collective. 2 Kestrels were also hunting. 6 Meadow Pipits were the first of the autumn.

The migrant numbers had definitely reduced with 10 Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat and at least 3 Redstart being the best.

Returning home and 3 more Meadow Pipits flew over the house, with a Grey Wagtail being the first I've seen for a while and 2 Ravens , or I should say The 2 Ravens with one still showing a missing primary that's distinctive and has been visible for a couple of years now.

A steady build up of Swallows and House Martins, probably at least 100 birds attracted a Hobby to drift over.

Autumn plumaged male Redstart

Stonechat

Hobby at home