Autumn Migration Watch - October 2013

An early start (8am) saw an intrepid band of 20 plus our leader, Andrew Grace, gather outside the Visitor Centre for a gentle walk through the Country Park in search of Autumn migrants. We were also joined by Alan Parker who had walked from Fairlight to join us and had spotted several different species along the way.

As we waited to start our walk, we were amazed to see several flocks of Ring Ouzels flying overhead heading to the East, the first of many such sightings that morning leading to a grand total of 205. This was agreed to be a very exceptional event and we felt really privileged to have witnessed such an uncommon spectacle which mirrored the exceptional passage of Jays seen at last year’s Migration Watch.

The weather was fairly calm and sunny after the heavy overnight rain and Andrew explained how the convergence of weather fronts was affecting the flight patterns of various migratingbirds.

The total count for the morning was:

Redwing 47, Song Thrush 35, Ring Ouzel 205, Fieldfare 100, Blackbird 1, Mistle Thrush 3, Skylark 15, House Martin 100, Swallow 10, Chiffchaff 6, Reed Bunting 5, Pied Wagtail 2, Meadow Pipit 25, Goldcrest 3, Linnet 35, Chaffinch 20, Brambling 2, Redpoll 1, Siskin 5, Goldfinch 5.

All in all, a most enjoyable and informative morning and Andrew was given a warm round of thanks on our return to the Visitor Centre.