Dotterel near the Cairn.

A fine Dotterel was found on near the Cairn this morning. It showed on and off all day and was giving a fine show this evening. Near the churchyard, 2 Blackcap and 2 Chiff-chaff showed early morning.

Richard's Pipit gets autumn up and running

Things started to hot up this morning after a dire fortnight up the headland. A male Blackcap was a good start in the northern gorse bushes, along with 3 Goldcrest here -always a sign that birds are moving. The first hint of vis mig produced 50+ of chaffinch, Goldfinch and Greenfinch while 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Snipe were the first of the autumn. Upon reaching the hawthorns, the pulse quickened as a familiar, yet exciting call flew overhead, the 'schreeep' of a Richrd's Pipit. Scouring the sky, Pete Alderson and I finally connected as several Meadow Pipits intercepted it and started to mob the monster Pipit. It soon dissapeared down by the by barns only to readppear just south of the summit later on. Views were better from here. The churchyard produced a stunning Firecrest in the pines along with 15+ Goldcrest, 3 Chiff-chaff and 2 Coal Tits. Another Firecrest was a nice surprise by Powell's well along the track to Pink Farm, while 2 Blackcaps, 3 Mistle thrush and a Stock Dove wee present here. 7 Wheatears were also dotted at various parts of the limestones.

Early September migrants

A quiet start to the month on the whole with a sprinkling of migrants today (yesterday was very quiet). Six Crossbill flew east early morning over the limestone carpark while seven Wheatears were present in the area. Two Chiff-chaff and two Goldcrest were in the gorse while 30+ Goldfinch continue to feed on the headland. Peregrine and 2 chough continue to show well with the Peregrine chasing and attempting to catch a juv Herring Gull!