At 08:00 this morning, when we stepped outside here at Pencarnan, it was immediately obvious that today was good for viz mig.
Above us, and flying south parallel to Ramsey Sound could be seen, and heard, flocks of Chaffinch that in the course of the morning amounted to thousands of migrating birds. Also present from first light were flocks of Starlings that also numbered thousands of birds, again all on a southerly heading. (It is interesting to note that on Wednesday, when the recent gales, here along the coast, were at their most severe, a larger number of Starlings headed south along the coast).
Greenfinches were also notewothy this morning with many flocks of 30-40 birds, all airborne and heading south;likewise Siskins. There were smaller numbers of Reed Buntings, continental type Blackbirds, and Songthrushes - the first significant numbers this autumn - Linnets and Meadow Pipits. 17 Golden Plovers and a neat vee formation of Cormorant were also observed. The morning's Swallow count topped 12. We recorded just 2"crests" and no warblers.... here, the avian scene is changing rapidly.
Of most interest for us today was the sighting of a flock of 9 Coal Tits, seen flying up and out of Porth Clais, and heading south across St Brides bay. They were shortly followed by 3 Bullfinches. A further 3 Coal Tits were noted at Rhosson Farm, a first for our patch.
Post Script. During Wednesday's gales, an adult Sabines Gull fought its way south across Whitesands Bay, and a Grey Wagtail flew past the caravan...both were additions to the caravan list. For the past two weeks a flock of 90+ House Sparrows use "our bush" as a safe haven while feeding in an adjacent stubble field. Roll on tomorrow and the next few days....the weather charts are shaping up to deliver something good! Anyone for a Black Redstart or a real rarity?
