Wednesday 21st August - Autumn Migrants

We had a week away in southern Italy (Puglia region) , which was a great family holiday, but not much in the way of birds - Serin, Sardinian Warbler, Italian Sparrow, Zitting Cisticola were probably the highlights.

Last week was cool wet and windy, and there was very little to report in between showers and a trip to Dusseldorf.

On Tuesday 20th I visited Blackdown, it was still quite windy and there was actually very little to report other than 1 brief sighting of a Spotted Flycatcher and  2 or 3 Willow/ Chiffs.

Wednesday was completely different with a slight increase in the temperature and a slight drop in the wind firstly meant there were flies everywhere and in turn this seemed to result in birds everywhere, with fairly impressive migrant highlights below.

12+ Spotted Flycatchers,
12+ (maybe updwards of 15) Tree Pipit
Redstart 2 or 3
Chiffchaff 25+
Willow Warbler 15+
Whitethroat 5
Blackcap 2
Woodlark 1

There was also a good display from successful Stonechat families, with Siskin and Linnets also parading young birds.

Heather is blooming on Blackdown

Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

young Siskin

Stonechats

Stonechat

Willow Warbler

Roe Deer