It happens every autumn, but it's still the event I prize above all others. A murky morning in mid-October, a very light westerly and a bit of drizzle, then the first Redwing flock appears. Fifty or so hurrying west, a few minutes later another lot go over. By the end of the morning I have logged 315 Redwings, 37 Starlings, 21 Siskins, and 12 Chaffinches heading west, plus 26 Skylarks and 11 Meadow Pipits going south.
These are typical numbers for Morton Bagot, but the thrill is knowing that every other birder from the Midlands to the east coast will be having the same experience. Birds are on the move again.
My camera never does these movements justice. Here is just one of the flocks, but you'll just have to take it from me that they are Redwings.
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| A flock of dots |
A group of nine decided to investigate the hedgerows, and one was unwary enough for me to sneak up on it.
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| Redwing |
In fact there was every indication that other thrushes were included in the movement because while I only saw nine Redwings in the hedgerows, I also counted six Song Thrushes, five Mistle Thrushes, and several Blackbirds.
The last vestiges of summer were a couple of calling Chiffchaffs, one of which was quite dull with pale underparts (but was calling like a normal Chiffchaff).
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| Chiffchaff |
A couple of Redpolls flew around, two Stonechats were still present, and at the flashes two Shovelers had joined the 35 Teal, seven Snipe, and one Green Sandpiper.
The weedy field contained a flock of Goldfinches which I had estimated as being about 60 strong. That was until I took a photo of the flock and counted them. There were actually 107 in the flock and an additional group of 10 at Netherstead gave a final figure of 117.
It feels like proper autumn has turned up today.
Great news. Migration is fantastic. Whilst were not in the greatest place to witness in the land-locked Midlands, it's vital that birds have 'service stations' to stop off at and refuel. Good habitat is so important.
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