Pittswood Birds

Sun rise this morning, to the right is Hadlow Tower, still encased in scaffolding

It was cool and clear for this mornings full patch walk, which turned out to be a pretty good visit. One of the more interesting observations that can be had at this time of year is the presence of the last of the Summer birds and the first of the Autumn/Winter birds, and this was the case today.

The Summer species were represented by CHIFFCHAFFS, BLACKCAPS, YELLOW WAGTAIL, HOUSE MARTIN, and SWALLOW,  the Autumn/ Winter species were fewer, but none-the-less welcome, they included my first SISKINS (71) this month, 3 were found feeding on Alder at the College Grounds, and another first for the month, a COOT (72) was found on one of the lakes, two CORMORANTS were also seen fishing here.

Chiffchaff, first thing this morning, in the hedgerow boundary dividing Migrant Alley/Greenhouse Complex

Here's the same Chiffchaff, I took this photo just a few minutes later than the one above, and already the light had changed.

One more new species was added to the months list this morning, when the pair of local PEREGRINES (73) put in an appearance, they were chasing a flock of WOOD PIGEONS over the Wet Woods, the 3 additions to the months list bring the total for September to 73, which is the mean average for the previous 5 Septembers, and equal the totals of the last two.

Most of the regular species were found today, making for an excellent day list of 50 species, but it still lacked a Long Tailed Tit, or more surprisingly a Sparrowhawk, but the BUZZARD seen perched on a fencline at Migrant Alley made up for that, two KESTRELS made up the Raptor list for today.

Other nice finds today were at least 30 MEADOW PIPITS at Migrant Alley, plus a couple of SKYLARK. A GREY HERON also flew over whilst I was there, as did a few HERRING and BLACK HEADED GULLS.

Meadow Pipit

Meadow Pipit

The Scrubby Woods adjacent to the lakes was more active than of late, with COAL TIT, GOLDCREST, TREECREEPER, NUTHATCH, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, two of the Chiffchaffs, and a Blackcap all being found, a MISTLE THRUSH was heard to sing whilst I was there - they've started early!

Another interesting theme to today was the sighting of JAYS, groups of two, three and four were seen moving about the area, Ive also been getting a pair at the garden feeders, where I spent an hour this afternoon trying to photograph them, but they are too wary for me! I got my first Coal Tit since March at the feeders, the 23rd species to visit the garden feeders this month, it also dodged my camera though, but I got a few shots of the regulars to fill the Blog folder  ;-)

Starling on the telephone cables along Ashes lane