Sunday 27 September 2009

The last full patch walk of september took place in similar conditions to yesterday, cool and clear to begin with - sunny and warm later.

I started my walk with the small holding, wet woods, and lake area today, in order to get to the lake early, if I was going to get a new species for the month it would probably be a duck species. However, my plans were scuppered, as there were noisy fisherman using the lake, and nothing but MALLARD and MOORHEN were seen. Its always a gamble doing the lake circuit first, as it means I get round later to the college area, where there will be disturbance, so I blew out all round today.

I did see some good birds though, HOBBY, BLACKCAP, up to 7 CHIFFCHAFF and 3 migrant SWALLOWS were the remnants of summer birds. A WHEATEAR was still at Migrant Alley, where a KESTREL and SPARROWHAWK were hunting. SKYLARK, PIED WAGTAIL, LINNET and MEADOW PIPIT were also at Migrant Alley.

The best of the wet woods and lake area were TREECREEPER, NUTHATCH, a family party of BULLFINCH'S and one of the two 'wintering' MARSH TITS was found.

46 species was a fair tally for the day, but it's a bit frustrating not getting any new monthly species, as I am so close to getting 80 now, mind you I have only recorded 88 species in all of the now 8 septembers combined, so I have had a good run, the missing birds are things like Osprey and Barn Owl, which are one time birds only!

I got a few photo's today, below is another Clouded yellow butterfly


Above and below are Skylarks, the top one looks real cute if you enlarge it.

Below is a Chiffchaff

Lastly a GREAT TIT





5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice pics, Warren. No chance of me photographing a Skylark. There all passing high overhead, heading S.

PS : don`t give up on reaching 80. You know yourself, nothings ever written in stone, when it comes to birding.

FAB said...

With your dedication I am sure the 80 mark will be achieved before long. FAB

Greenie said...

Warren ,
Can't believe Dean is talking Redwings and Redpolls .
Nice Clouded Yellow shot .

ShySongbird said...

You are doing well in your neck of the woods for Clouded Yellows! The photos are all lovely and the first Skylark does look particularly sweet when enlarged.

Kelly said...

I love the skylark nestled in the grass. How on earth did you spot him? He's so tiny and blend in so well...
If anyone can hit 80...you can. With fall migration in full swing, I can see you doing it.