Local 'STILL' Best

An early morning visit to Brandon Marsh began in autumnal conditions, with fog somewhat hampering my search for passage migrants.

Juvenile Shelduck
Birds of note included Greenshank, (3) Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher and a lone Snipe on Teal Pool, while on East Marsh Pool a slight surprise, with the addition of juvenile Shelduck. Also recorded over the course of the morning were a single Hobby over Newlands, Sparrowhawk and 5 more Snipe along Wigeon Bank. Still warblers to be found around the reserve with Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler all recorded, the latter two still in full song.

Red Kite
Leading on from my previous post, 'local is best', a good search of the patch after lunch finally produced my first Spotted Flycatcher, with three recorded around Napton. A distant Whinchat was visible from the windmill but unfortunately by the time I made my way down for closer views I was unable to relocate. A couple of the local Raven were quite vocal, (2) Buzzard flew north towards the reservoir but the highlight was a dazzling Red Kite, which drifted over me as I was making my way back towards the churchyard.

Wheatear
The marina grounds continue to yield with a couple of Wheatear on the top meadow, along with (5) Tree Sparrow, (17) House Sparrow, (4) Reed Bunting, ♂Bullfinch, (2) Yellowhammer and (3) Greenfinch. The evening Pied Wagtail roost held over 40+ birds and Yellow Wagtails continue to be a regular feature, with three birds recorded on the west side bank at dusk.