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.
Great stuff Marc.. when will you get a Blyth's Pipit up there?
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