by Greg Lee
A stunning and fantastic day on the island, with clear skies and lots of sunshine. Stepping out into census, it didn’t take long to start filling the notepad with flyover finches in a steady stream of flocks, mainly Chaffinches, but Siskins and Bramblings were also part of the fun. Thrushes were also still in good numbers with plenty of Redwings, Blackbirds and notably Song Thrushes, which appeared to be in great numbers. After yesterday’s Columbid-fest, it was pleasing to see Stock Doves in greater number, with Woodpigeons tagging along. Lower Millcombe was quite busy again for thrushes and Robins, less so for Warblers and crests. Nonetheless, I enjoyed scanning anyway and looking around. Up on the plateau, I was pleased to scan the wall and spot a Black Redstart near Rocket Pole, my first of the autumn, in what has been a very scarce species so far. The gorse at Rocket Pole was extremely productive for thrushes, with Song Thrushes ticking out of the bushes and flying around as I patrolled the area. Stoneycroft garden was quiet today, but a Chiffchaff near the Hay Bales was an unusual sighting and two Robins were in the area. Over near Quarter Wall, a pair of Reed Buntings were squeaking and calling, which were very nice whilst a Peregrine patrolled the East Coast.
Woodpigeon and Stock Dove by G.Lee
Black Redstart by G.Lee
Once I’d returned from a lengthy census, I met up with Chris Dee, who is here for the next few days and together we set up some thrush nets in St John’s with some flyover Bramblings and Greenfinches catching the ear. Next, I undertook the final BMS transect of the year, which held a couple of Red Admirals and a Painted Lady. More interestingly, earlier we had sighted the first Small Tortoiseshell for some time over St John’s Valley.
It was another varied day of vis-mig on the island in total with the final scores including (deep breath): 475 Woodpigeons (a new Lundy record!), 17 Stock Doves, five Golden Plovers, three Lapwings, a single Ringed Plover, 876 Starlings, 155 Song Thrushes, 867 Redwings, 109 Blackbirds, a single Ring Ouzel, 26 alba Wagtails, 3366 Chaffinches, 21 Bramblings, four Greenfinches, 36 Siskins, four Reed Buntings and singles of Lapland and Snow Bunting.