4th November

More perfect conditions with a light, almost non-existent easterly breeze, complete cloud cover and a few drops of rain here and there led to a brilliant morning for passage; I spent the first few hours in Lebeltet were the highlight was at least 53 Northern Bullfinches with the plantation echoing with their honking, trumpeting calls as the perched on top of the trees calling before heading off NW.   Other birds in good numbers included 17+ Sparrowhawks (nearly all small males), 91+ Crossbills, 200+ Redpolls (probably all Mealy) and 860+ Fieldfares all eventually also heading NW.

                Also of note through the morning was a Great Grey Shrike, a Wheatear, good numbers of other Finches including Bramblings, Siskins and Goldfinches, 2 Goshawks, at least 6 Waxwings (others were heard), a calling Black Woodpecker, the 1^st winter White-tailed Eagle out on Skarvodden, a Peregrine, a single Whooper Swan over and a Short-eared Owl high over the lighthouse.

                Back out late morning but it was much quieter than first thing but there were hundreds more Fieldfares heading NW along with 2 Mistle Thrushes, a flock of 29 Waxwings, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers and at least 10 more Sparrowhawks.

                The afternoon was much quieter again but there were 3 late Swallows on the edge of town and a group of 4 Short-eared Owls high over the fields where the Great Grey Shrike was still perched.

 

If nothing else jumps in front of your camera, go and photograph the Long-tailed Ducks in the harbour!