3rd November 2017

This morning's Hither Field vigil didn't yield quite the volume of birds as some recent days but was livened up by a Firecrest moving through the hedgerow bordering Hillwood Field, as well as three Hawfinches and two Bramblings overhead. We're not yet getting blasé about the Hawfinches, having only had three records this century prior to this autumn's invasion! A flock of 19 Greylags flew south along the valley early doors, as did a Grey Heron later on, and two Stonechats were in Hither Field. Further migrating passerines seen from Hither Field included 17 redpolls, nine Siskins, two Pied Wagtails, 35 Chaffinches, 130 Redwings, 55 Fieldfares, two Mistle Thrushes, 18 Skylarks and 200 Woodpigeons, while more surprising movers included three Yellowhammers and eight Bullfinches flying high. Gull counts came out as four Common Gulls, 140 Black-headed Gulls and 300 Herring Gulls. Two Sparrowhawks and three Buzzards were also around Hither, plus four Greenfinches, seven Meadow Pipits and 10 Song Thrushes.

A Red Admiral basked on a post at Hither Field.

Firecrest

Greylags

David Campbell (photos), Duncan Jennings and Linda Mount