First Tick Of The Autumn

Few days of WALBOC-ing to tell you about.

Autumn is definitely here, signalled by the weather more than anything however, huge numbers of jackdaws, rooks and crows are building on the cricket pitch, gulls are starting to appear again, starlings (a great mix of plumages amongst them inc. several moulting from juv to 1w) are flocking together at the farmhouse. Furthermore there are the first signs of the Airfield's magnificent winter passerine flocks starting to emerge wwith up to 30 House Sparrows and a couple of Yellowhammer and Chaffinch amongst them around the crops. Amongst this small flock on Thursday was a brown bunting that was most probably a Corn Bunt but it flew off wthout me getting much on it - for those wanting to see Corn Bunt now is a good time to check around the farmhouse and cover crops on the Airfield.

However, summer is still most cetainly clinging on. At least one Hobby can still be seen daily on Boldermere (along with two GCGs, Mallards, Pochards, Mute Swans, T Ducks, and masses of Coots). Additionally, for the first time in a while I heard at least two Cuckoos singing on Wednesday in what represents a very good year thus far at WALBOC for this species.

In terms of movement there have also been good signs. Whilst, much to my frustration, the exquisite muddy fringes in the marshes have remained (to my knowledge) completely wader (and Crake) free, Chiffys keep turning up along with Willow Warblers. Meadow Pipits and Common Buzzards are also noticeably on the up and on Friday I saw my second Tree Pipit of the year. Roll on a rarity.

I have also enjoyed a year tick! On Thursday in a brief gap in the rain I looked up to see 38 large birds flying in from Boldermere. As they approached I saw they were Canada Geese. In the back of my mind the thought occurred: 'This is exactly how it happened last year - overcast day, Canadas flying low over the stubble from Boldermere - here comes a yeartick'. I scanned the Geese and picked up two Greylags and one Egyptian Goose.  They went over low, made to land, before deciding against it and continuing South. Disappointing they didn't stay but a good tick round here.

WALBOC Patchlist: 106
WALBOC Yearlist: 104