Bird Report - September 2017

You couldn't fail to notice Swallows during September as they fed voraciously to build up their strength in readiness for their long journey ahead. I imagine some delayed leaving until their broods were sufficiently grown to undertake this which would account for some being spotted well into October. I look forward to their return in the spring.

Two other species you couldn't fail to notice have been Pied Wagtails and Wheatears - once again both were around during the first week of October and I suspect they will be around a bit longer so look out for the unmistakeable long wagging tail of the former and the white rump of the latter.

I was cheered on the 4th to see and hear a Robin singing in our whitebeam tree - one of the few birds that sings during this time of year.

Alison Petrie reported a Cuckoo in her garden at Stonehall.

I was walking our little dog from the Gloup to the Brough of Deerness when a sizeable flock of Twite landed on the fence.

Walking along the path at Newark Bay a hovering Kestrel was a fine sight on the 26th. This species is easy to identify as, to my knowledge, it is the only one to hover.

A few Golden Plovers are around just now. So far I have seen these in small groups but watch out for the big flocks which are often accompanied by Lapwings.

During a very windy walk at Newark on the 28th a Snow Bunting swept past along the beach. Also visible were a female Wheatear, 1 Oystercatcher, 8 Sanderling.

Heading along the path from Newark car park to the Barns a Grey Heron was giving its harsh cry as it flitted from vantage point to vantage point in its quest for food. There was a big flock of Curlew on the shore and a flock of ducks were in the sea, mostly Wigeon.

Ian Cunningham has been out in Deerness and reports a flock of 28 Ruff near Greenhall also 6 Black-tailed Godwits. There was a solitary Knot at St. Peter's Pool.

At Lighthouse Quarry Gardens Ian reported the following: 8 Redwings, Siskin, Brambling, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Goldcrests, female Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs.

At East Denwick there was a Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher and a Ring Ouzel.

Those visiting the slip at the Geo might have noticed 2 Grey Plovers (afraid these passed me by in spite of my being in the area. So plenty was seen in September and I expect October to just as exciting!

Pauline Wilson

Photos:

Spotted Flycatcher at Lighthouse Quarry.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quarry.

Ring Ouzel at East Denwick.

Peregrine on Halley Road. All photos by Ian Cunningham.