It was forecast to be pretty breezy today but a calmer start than predicted so we managed to fit in some ringing in before the wind got up, focussing mainly on Pipits. We caught 14 Meadow Pipit and the first Rock Pipit of the autumn!

First Rock Pipit (or ‘Rockit’!) of the autumn

A stunning bright male Grey Wagtail appeared around the pond briefly. The Kestrel was doing the rounds today and perched up on the railing briefly. There was a bit of vis mig this morning with small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Siskin, Brambling and Chaffinch moving, 1 Jay, 2 Great White Egret and a surprise Yellowhammer, a bird we get very few records of now in the Holme recording area. Thrushes were still on the move but much fewer in number than previous days with 2 Fieldfare, 14 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and 5 Redwing. The Barn Owl was back hunting over the grazing marsh mid-morning.

Stunning autumnal day at the Observatory

Elsewhere it was all about the birds on the beach with 4 Shore Lark, the Snow Bunting and the 2 Lapland Bunting showing off at their usual spot at the east end of the beach, so lots to see! There were still 3 Jack Snipe from the NWT hides.

Jack Snipe – photo by Dave Nurney

We had some very nice moths for our usual Wednesday moth morning with Feathered Thorn, 2 Green Brindled Crescent and a Vestal the highlights.

A busy autumn moth morning!

Shannon

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk Glossy Ibis Welney WWT still CB6 1UG c52.5278,0.277

Norfolk Water Pipit y’day Strumpshaw Fen RSPB c52.6074,1.4429 Park at c52.6071,1.4566

Norfolk 3.Shorelarks east of Holme Dunes still 1.56pm tho distant +Lapland Bunting (+Snow Bunting) 52.9729,0.5704: Viewed from 52.9729,0.5711

Norfolk Y-br.Wblr Winterton Dunes in scrub in south dunes at 1.15pm but elusive c52.7095,1.6984. Park at c52.7179,1.6978

Norfolk 4.Shorelarks Holme Dunes in saltings south of dunes c52.9731,0.5378

Norfolk 2.Curlew Sands Cley NWT on Pat’s Pool from Bishop’s Hide at 11.40am c52.9570,1.0568 Viewed from c52.9562,1.0582 Park at c52.9544,1.0567

Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT on Pat’s Pool from Bishop’s Hide at 9.59am c52.9570,1.0568 Viewed from c52.9562,1.0582 Park at c52.9544,1.0567

Norfolk BLACK-WINGED KITE ad Sea Palling still SW of The Marrams viewed from double metal gates at 9.05am tho distant NR12 0AL 52.7911,1.5839: Park at 52.7894,1.6013; Viewed from 52.795,1.5892

Norfolk Glossy Ibis Hunstanton Cliffs flew SW over The Wash c52.9505,0.489