Tuesday, October 12, 2010

11th October,2010.

After virtually no passerines being around locally during the last few days whilst we were experiencing repeated stormy conditions, the clear night and calm conditions of the emerging day saw Meadow Pipits, Starlings, Reed Buntings and a couple of Robins around the house. A little later a fine, erect "Greenland" Wheatear showed locally and a Sparrowhawk moved through in a determined fashion! Suddenly the finch flocks have really reduced as have the widely spread numbers of "alba" wagtails.

Whilst on Jura for the rest of the day the ambient conditions were tremendous with the waters of the Sound more Mediterranean in colour than might be expected and the surrounding landscapes shown off to best effect in the wonderful sunlit conditions. Little was on the move as it happens, the passage Gannets of a couple of weeks ago reduced to one individual, a nice flock of adult Kittiwakes and odd Razorbill being the only other notable contenders until an adult Black-throated Diver flew south down the Sound. Nor was it busy with boat traffic! An accident with the ferry last Friday has damaged the linkspan ( the mobile"jetty" allowing you to drive on or off the ferry boat) therefore none of the regular large ferries will be in evidence for a while.

Evening at home saw the appearance of a juvenile ChiffChaff, flycatching in the garden, sadly it had a damaged leg and I doubt has much of a future even if it makes its winter quarters.

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