September 2010

High pressure continued to dominate the weather for the first week, but heavy rain fell overnight on the 6th as low pressure systems swept in from the Atlantic. There were several spells of heavy rain and the occasional sunny periods, until high pressure brought a more settled spell from the 12th, though there were periods of strong winds and overcast skies. Temperatures rose into the low 20ºs towards the end of the third week but the month ended cold and wet.

The sky was almost cloudless, with little wind during the visits on the 1st, which produced close to 50 species. At the reservoir, during my visit, a Grey Heron and a Kingfisher were present, and the first Reed Warbler of the autumn fed on the island, where it was unusual to see a Coal Tit. Seven Canada Geese flew E, a Garden Warbler and two Blackcaps were seen in the rarity hedge, where a Chiffchaff sang. Later, several LT Tits and two more Coal Tits visited the three pines by the lake and a Lesser Whitethroat and a Tree Creeper were seen, yet again, near the Peens Lane kissing gate. Bob also had some good fortune, seeing the first Wheatear of the autumn, perched atop a tree by Peens Lane, as he listened to a LS Woodpecker calling and he noted at least three different Sparrowhawks, two of which disappeared high SW, and saw three Lesser Whitethroats in the rarity hedge, confirming that there were a good number of migrants present.                                                  

A cool, northeasterly breeze blew varying amounts of cloud over during an early visit on the 2nd. A flock of eight Greylag Geese flew S but otherwise, looking skywards revealed nothing more. The rarity hedge attracted a mixed feeding flock, which included three Lesser Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler and several Spotted Flycatchers, as well as a flock of 17 Linnets, which flew from the large ash. During the visit a total of at least eight Chiffchaffs was noted and when a Little Owl called in the Deer Park three others responded in quick succession. A lone juvenile Kestrel was perched on the same branch as on the 1st but no other raptors were seen, as I struggle to learn how to focus my new lens. 

It was still, with little cloud, as the sun rose on the 3rd, but an east-northeasterly wind also rose and brought varying amounts of cloud and the temperature increased to the low 20ºC later in the day. The brief visit of a Common Sandpiper to the reservoir was welcome, though it disappeared far too quickly and two Herring Gulls flying E were the only gulls noted. The only summer migrants noted were single Common and Lesser Whitethroats, at least three Blackcaps and four Chiffchaffs. My first sightings of Song and Mistle Thrush, and Starling brought my monthly total to just 50. 

In a light easterly wind, high cloud drifted over on the 4th, when I was extremely pleased to see a Barn Owl (number 105) perched in the ‘Kestrel adopted’ nest box, in which a pair of owls did nest, soon after it was erected. A total of at least 10 Chiffchaffs was noted, including four together in the rarity hedge, and the large ash was alive with birds, including a small flock of Linnets, Chaffinches, at least three Spotted Flycatchers, Blue and Great Tits, Blackcaps and a Common Whitethroat, Nuthatches and a male LS Woodpecker. A male Sparrowhawk flew over Peens Lane, a total of 21 Herring Gulls flew SE to join a large number of gulls in fields to the southeast of the patch and later Bob saw a duck Teal on the lake. Having a little more success with the new lens, judging by the Migrant Hawker and Little Grebes above.

An opportunity for a dry census, as I’ll be away for much of the month, found me listening for a Tawny Owl at 4.50am, under a mainly cloudy sky and not a breath of wind. Though there was a colourful sky at dawn, it remained cloudy for much of the eight-and-a-half-hour census and an easterly wind rose but produced little change. Just after 5am a Little Owl called and a pair of Tawny Owls duetted, thirty minutes later the Barn Owl screeched – seen in his box some two hours later. A promising start but there was little overhead movement and no obvious fall of migrants. However, a total of 49 species equalled the September mean and with a little good fortune the total should have exceeded 50, as I failed to record Treecreeper, House Sparrow, Greenfinch and Yellowhammer, and Bob actually saw one Yellowhammer, a Garden Warbler, a LS Woodpecker and two Hobbies! While he was enjoying the Hobbies, calling and flying low near the reservoir, I did have the unexpected sight of a Common Tern flying E. The total of 510 birds was 200 below the overall mean, but only 40 below the mean for the last fifteen years. Other sightings included a total of five Grey Herons flying over, four Swallows S and two NE, totals of 14 Green and nine GS Woodpeckers, a high total of 39 Blue Tits, two Sparrowhawks, 10 Chiffchaffs, six Blackcaps, two Common Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, two Spotted Flycatchers and a peak count of 97 Jackdaws.

There was still an easterly breeze on the 6th, when two Cormorants, which flew SW, would have been welcome the previous day. A small flock of mainly juvenile gulls, which flew SE, comprised one Black-headed, one Herring and five LBB Gulls Later, five juvenile LBB Gulls, which flew N, may or may not have been the same birds. During the two-hour visit relatively few species were noted and the only summer migrants were two Chiffchaffs and a lone Willow Warbler. In the evening Ian Goulden saw a Barn Owl fly from the oak opposite Gravitt’s Cottage.

Following heavy rain overnight, the 7th was initially still and fog-bound but it cleared rapidly under an almost cloudless sky. A southerly breeze and scattered clouds brought threats of more rain later in the day, though it was dry during an interesting visit. I’d seen only four Tufted Duck and eight Mallard, plus a glimpse of a possible Shoveler on the lake, when Marice appeared to bale out the boat. Almost immediately all eight Tufted Duck swam out from the island, along with 38 Mallard and a duck Shoveler, showing how easy it is for wildfowl to remain hidden among the dense island foliage. One Cormorant S was the only flyover bird noted, but the rarity hedge was particularly active for a short spell, when at least five Blackcaps, two possibly three Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler were seen, though it was difficult to be sure how many birds were involved as the foliage is so dense. Two House Sparrows were present again at Spindlewood. In the evening again, Ian heard a Barn Owl screeching at Bishop’s Farm, probably a different bird from the one roosting in the lower barn nestbox.

It was dull and became very wet during the brief visit on the 8th, when three Grey Herons flew N and another flew from the reservoir bank. The lake still held at least 32 Mallard, eight Tufted Duck and the lone duck Shoveler. Cloud slowly drifted northeast on the 9th, to become sunny later in the visit, when the only changes noted were the return of one Coot to the reservoir and the absence of the Barn Owl in the nestbox after five consecutive day's presence. The duck Shoveler remained on the lake, two Goldcrests chased each other in the spruce copse and the only summer migrants seen or heard were three Chiffchaffs, two Spotted Flycatchers and a Blackcap.

It was overcast, dull and still on the 10th, during my last visit of the month, when the first Sand Martin since July 22nd visited the reservoir. By stopping at the lake first, I missed seeing a Kingfisher at the reservoir, where a couple of Greenfinches called from the low ash trees, where the only other September record had been noted. The southern end of the rarity hedge, high in the tall ash trees, a mixed, very active flock was feeding. Apart from the usual Blue and Great Tits, there were at least six Chiffchaffs, including one in song, a couple of Spotted Flycatchers and glimpses of possible Blackcap and Willow Warbler, but conditions made identification difficult to confirm. The duck Shoveler was present on the lake for the fourth day and at least 44 Mallard were counted. Various mushroom species were appearing, particularly in the Deer Park. The species below was among oaks but Oak Bolete is apparently rare. I was away for the rest of the month, so Bob’s notes follow.

It was cloudy all day on the 11th, with some rain at times being blown along by a strong southwest wind. On the lake were 48 Mallard, seven Tufted Duck plus the two adult Little Grebes, with their one young, which was growing fast. Eight Moorhens were seen at the reservoir and a Sparrowhawk flew over the area being chased by a small flock of the local Jackdaws. A mixed flock of tits, warblers and flycatchers were still in the corner below the rarity hedge, a much-favoured spot at this time, including the last Garden Warbler. The 12th was a bright autumn morning, but with mist hanging over the area it felt quite cool. Cloud however increased steadily from the northwest during the latter half of the day and only a brief early visit was made and little of interest was seen. There was a distinct feel of autumn in the air on the 13th and the day started fairly bright, but with a lot of high cloud, which lowered to obscure the sun for the rest of the day. Two visits were made during the morning, because I had to give my leg a rest. The early walk round the lower area of the patch produced four duck species on the lake, including two drake Gadwall, a Shoveler, six Tufted Duck and about 36 Mallard. Apart from a flock of 11 Pheasants and six Chiffchaffs, there was little else of note. However, my second trip involved a walk round the Deer Park that produced some good sightings. A pair of Hobbies hawked over the area, as a flock of some 30 House Martins flew SW. But the prize of the day concerned two Ravens, which flew along the northern edge of the park. A female Sparrowhawk also circled over the area, making the second visit well worthwhile.

A strong SW wind prevailed all day on the 14th, bringing heavy cloud that made it extremely dull and dismal, but not so with the birds. I finally caught up with a Kingfisher, which was present on the usual perch at the reservoir, and while the conditions made it a difficult task to locate the passerine species, there was quite a bit of interest in birds seen flying over. Namely, two Hobbies, one Common Buzzard, two Kestrels and one each of Grey Heron and Cormorant. While watching one of only three gulls noted, I found a flock of at least 40 House Martins flying W. These were so high beneath the clouds that they were invisible to the naked eye. Two fresh young Woodpigeons sat on the bare branches by the Kingfisher. The duck Shoveler was still present on the lake, along with fewer Mallard. The visit was shortened because of an appointment, which was followed by a quick visit to see the flock of 16 Glossy Ibis at Dungeness, an impressive sight indeed. The 15th commenced bright, with a cloudless sky, but a cool westerly wind gradually brought in cloudy conditions. A real surprise greeted me as I arrived at the lake, for there swimming with the Mallard was a drake Pintail. Only the seventh record, the first six occurring in just three earlier years, including two drakes on the reservoir in October 1996.  The Shoveler was also present, as were six Tufted Duck and 36 Mallard. A Sparrowhawk flew over the lake, being mobbed by quite a large flock of Jackdaws. Summer visitors featured today, with the last three Spotted Flycatchers, the last Willow Warbler, five Chiffchaffs, 16 House Martins and the odd Swallow. Dull, cloudy conditions prevailed all day on the 16th, with a northwesterly air-stream making it feel cool. There was little change at the lake, and both the Pintail and Shoveler were still present. Two Kestrels and a male Sparrowhawk were hunting over the orchards, where the flock of Linnets had risen to 21. Apart from two Swallows, four House Martins and a Chiffchaff I didn’t encounter any other summer migrants. In fact passerines were extremely scarce again.

After a clear night leading to a touch of ground frost, the 18th was a beautiful autumnal day. Having just started out on my walk from the reservoir, I was fortunate to see the first Little Egret, since September 2008, flying NW over the patch - two minutes later and I would have missed it. Both the Pintail and Shoveler appeared to have gone, and only a Tufted Duck remained. Apart from a number of Blue & Great Tits, very few other passerines were noted and the only summer visitors seen were five Chiffchaffs. The 19th started bright, though there was a large amount of high cloud that obscured the sun every now and then. A steadily increasing southwest wind eventually brought sufficient low cloud to cover the sky. It was a good morning for birds, with the first Pied Wagtail since May and the first two Grey Wagtails since March putting in an appearance. Good numbers of hirundines were flying south, with 60+ House Martins and 11 Swallows. Two Common Buzzards, which circled over the new orchard, were harassed by a number of corvids, as were two Sparrowhawks later. As with the last few days, there were very few finches and thrushes to be seen. Following overnight fog, the 21st was a fairly bright day, but with ever increasing cloud. It was however very warm, reaching 22ºC. On reaching the lake, another new species for the year concerned three female or juvenile Mandarin Ducks, which took off and circled overhead a few times, before disappearing E. They increased the variety of ducks to a record seven species for September. Totals of 47 Mallard and nine Tufted Duck were the highest for several days. I located seven Chiffchaffs, which were widely distributed around the patch, and two Blackcaps in the rarity hedge, were my first for a few days, making me wonder just how much I might be missing. Totals of 27 House Martins and three Swallows were noted moving slowly S. At least four Little Owls set up a shouting match, as I walked back along the northern edge of the Deer Park. The slope to the west of Zeka's barn had been harrowed, removing an important habitat for butterflies. In the mean time, eight Magpies were finding it to their liking and Jays too seemed to be very active flying to and fro between the trees.

Just to the south, thick mist shrouded the countryside on the 22nd, but luckily did not encroach onto the patch. It was another very warm day, with temperatures reaching the mid 20ºC, but I could only manage a brief visit around the southern section. The Barn Owl was back in its box for the first time in two weeks. A duck Teal fed on the lake, where both Mallard and Tufted Duck numbers had fallen back from yesterday. A flock of gulls comprising 17 Black-heads and five Herring Gulls flew SE and a Grey Heron flew from the reservoir bank. A visit just before dusk to hear a Tawny Owl failed, but a flock of 48 Greylag Geese flying W was some compensation. The 23rd was a very dull and at times wet day, a marked change from the past few, but still warm. A Kingfisher flew across the lake and disappeared onto the island, as I arrived. Here the Mallard count rose to an impressive 61 birds, the highest so far this month, but none of the scarcer species were present. Two Grey Herons flew N, as a mixed flock of Herring and BH Gulls flew S. A great commotion from a mixed flock of corvids within the Poplar Wood made me look for a reason, but sadly nothing was seen that would have caused them to make so much fuss. A flock of seven Swallows flew SE, as I walked round the reservoir bank, and only a mixed flock of tits fed in the vegetation. The Barn Owl was once again visible within the nest box, but the only warbler species noted was a Blackcap in the rarity hedge. Extensive fog shrouded the area on the 24th, making viewing difficult. It slowly lifted into low clouds, and then it started to rain quite heavily. Fortunately I was already heading back to the car, feeling a lot cooler than in recent times. Little of note was recorded, except for a flock of 50+ House Martins and seven Swallows hawking under the low clouds. A strong northwest wind blew on the 25th, bringing very cold conditions, although the sun shone brightly, it had little effect on the temperature. Six Chiffchaffs, a Swallow and eight House Martins were the only summer visitors noted. A flock of 20 Canada Geese flew W over the reservoir, as did 11 Goldfinches. The lake held 46 Mallard and nine Tufted Duck and only one Little Grebe. Six Black-headed and 11 Herring Gulls flew N, and both Goldcrest and Coal Tit fed in the Atlas cedar.

The weather had settled and the 27th was a nice autumn day, with just a light northwest wind and some sunny spells, making it much warmer than recent days. The first eight Redwings of the autumn flew W over the Deer Park, over which 14 House Martins and six Swallows were hawking. I once again thought I heard a Raven call, but this time could not see one, so it was probably just off the patch. A NW movement of gulls included nine Black-headed, six LBB, 59 Herring and the first GBB Gull of the autumn. The first Cormorant since the 14th flew N over the reservoir and two Sparrowhawks circled high under the clouds, before moving off W. A total of six Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap fed mostly in or near the rarity hedge. There was also a steady westerly movement of small flocks of Starlings and a marked increase to 22 Chaffinches, mostly in the Spindlewood orchard, perhaps indicating an arrival of this species. The 29th, was extremely dull, with a fairly persistent light rainfall and virtually no wind. However, on the plus side it was reasonably warm. The first two Skylarks of the autumn flew onto the patch from the west side of Peens Lane. They were accompanied by a large flock of Woodpigeons and corvids, which had been disturbed from the fields. Just prior to that, a flock of 12 Swallows was seen flying SE in the murky conditions. The area was shrouded in fog until mid-morning on the 30th, so a later visit was made. It did eventually turn into a nice sunny day, with just a light southwest wind. Three Swallows flew S, as the first three Meadow Pipits of the autumn flew NW. Two Chiffchaffs fed in the lakeside alders along with a mixed tit flock. Chaffinch numbers continued to increase, but other finch species were still scarce. At the lake just 14 Mallard could be seen, with only two Tufted Duck visible; the later start meant that a number of ducks were probably hidden behind the drooping branches of the island’s trees.

By the end of the month a good total of 80 species had been recorded, one higher than the September mean, and with four additional species for the year the annual total had increased to 109, just two below the end of September mean. Of the 15 summer visitors that were unlikely to be seen again in October, as many as 10 had departed on dates earlier than their means, just one within the mean week and four on later dates, which included Common Sandpiper, Common Tern and both Garden and Willow Warblers.