Ferry Hills Vis Mig

A busy period with Clive and I trying to get in as much coverage as possible at what is arguably the best time of year for variety and numbers.

Highlights

32 Red-throated Diver, 206 Skylark and 65 Tree Sparrow (10th) before a switch to east/south-east winds brought a new dynamic with the arrival of thrushes and Brambling from Scandinavia. Excellent numbers of Brambling in particular with 53 (11th) followed by a site record 100 (14th). The 14th was a decent thrush day or though we do get bigger movements of these; 600 Redwing, 50 Fieldfare and 157 Mistle Thrush.
The best record involved a small influx of Hawfinch starting with 5 birds during east winds and rain on 13th and then another three birds on the 14th. On 13th a group of four birds flew through SW and then a short time later I disturbed one out of the trees which then flew around the area, landing again but unfortunately out of view. On 14th the three birds comprised a single and then two straight through to the SW so it seems unlikely there was duplication with the birds on the 13th. Given these birds were associated with an arrival of thrushes and Bramblings it seems likely that they were of Scandinavian origin. Eight Hawfinch in two days! Also more than I got during the big influx last year although this was more of a  England thing with relatively few making it up to Scotland, suggesting different origins of last years birds via the Low Countries.

Elsewhere

I've been fortunate to be doing some work up at the Eden Estuary. Sightings have included the Spotted Redshank again, up to 550 Dunlin, 360 Golden Plover, 24 Whooper Swan. Also a late Common Sandpiper (15th). A close Otter with a fish stole the show though.

Large numbers of Redwing, Mistle Thrush, plus a G. N. Diver heading inland at Ferry Hills on 14th.

Obliging Otter at the Eden.

Tuesday 16th

On holiday this week so decided to have a try away from the patch this morning at Boarhills. A fresh arrival of thrushes was taking place with 750 Redwing and 375 Fieldfare in off the sea and  40 Brambling. A nice Yellow-browed Warbler gave decent views by the pond.

A hyperactive Yellow-browed Warbler was typically tricky to photo. 

A large flock of mainly Fieldfare arriving in off the North Sea.