The mild southerly airflow is persisting but heavy rain and winds have made birding a bit tricky. Today it was dry and calm so I put in a good five hours this morning and did Church Norton, the Severals, Norton Spit and the Ferry. 78 species of nearly 2500 individuals HERE with highlights including 2 Black Redstarts, a late female Blackcap, a few Chiffs, 5 Firecrest, a Sandwich Tern, Peregrine and a few Redpolls and Siskins. There's also been a notable uptick in the number of waders in the harbour particularly Dunlin, Golden Plover and Lapwing.
Last night was pretty good for moth migrants but no scarcities or rarities unfortunately. However 8 Rusty-dots, 5 Turnips, 2 Rush Veneer, 2 Silver-Y, 2 White-point, 2 Large Yellow Underwing and single Dewick's Plusia, Vestal, Oak Rustic, Pearly Underwing and Delicate were a nice selection of migrants considering the date. I had another white looking moth flying round the severals which could well have been a Crimson Speckled but couldn't pin it down. Elsewhere across the country there have been Slender-burnished Brass, Silver-striped Hawkmoth and a few other rarities so fingers crossed for the next couple of days.
We've got a day or two more of the mild southerly conditions until it's curtains and some winter weather arrives. I was hoping for another Pallid Swift today as the weather seemed perfect but no luck my end but Jaffa in Budleigh Salterton spent today chasing a Swift sp round the town- hope he nails it by the end of the day.
Did a garden session this evening, winter roosts are building locally with nearly 150 Jackdaws going over and 500 Starling. 2 Chiffs in the garden and lane were a surprise and a Yellowhammer went over calling. There were about 8 Redwings flying around at dusk yesterday.
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