The last few days on the
‘patch’ have produced a few more unusual birds and the trickle of migrants
appears to be increasing slightly. I have seen a few new species for me this
autumn with one being a European Roller. Most other birders in the area have
seen the species already this autumn but so far I had failed but this changed
on the 15th September when I saw one in the trees near the
percolation pond. The pond still had 21 Ferruginous Ducks, seven Garganey and
three northern Shovellers as well as two juvenile White-winged Terns. Two
Purple Herons were also seen in the reeds of the pond along with a Grey Heron
on one evening. Other new migrants included my first Tawny Pipit for the
autumn, several Isabelline Wheatears and Spotted Flycatchers including an
extremely well marked bird. A small influx of Little Ringed Plovers occurred
and other waders included both Common Redshank and Spotted Redshank (see
earlier post), Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Little Stint and Kentish
Plover. Large numbers of Sand Martin are now feeding each evening over the pond
and several small flocks of European Bee-eaters are passing over at regular
intervals. An immature Western Marsh Harrier and female Pallid Harrier passed
over late one evening but otherwise it is still very quiet for birds of prey.
The only shrike seen was a Turkestan Shrike in the spray fields.
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| European Roller |
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| Purple Heron |
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| Isabelline Wheatear |
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| Wood Sandpiper |
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| Turkestan Shrike |