Pallas's Warblers

One of two PALLAS'S WARBLERS trapped and ringed at the NOA observatory on the morning of the 30th October, the 7th and 8th to be ringed at the observatory. Both birds were trapped and ringed down the east bank, with the second having a brighter supercillium and wing-bars. In between releasing the two birds one (presumed to be the second bird) was noted in the field, in the sycamore by the observatory. Later on in the day a single Pallas's Warbler was showing well in the corner of the NWT carpark and it may have been yet another new individual, as it was reported to have perhaps been unringed. With good numbers of grounded migrants, including a Barred Warbler around the NOA reserve, and steady overhead passage, including a superb count of 14329 Starlings, it was a superb autumn day, probably the best of the whole year so far. For full sightings please see here. Pictures © J.Andrews (top) and © Connor D. Rand. Words by Connor D. Rand

Barnacle Goose

Another shot of the Barnacle Goose located with the Pink-footed Geese on the afternoon of the 11th October. A true Holme scarcity, being much rarer than the likes of Yellow-browed Warbler. Incredibly my 3rd in 6 days (having only had 2 birds in the 7 years prior to this!) in what has been a well above average autumn for this species at the observatory. Photos and words © Connor D. Rand

Tree Sparrow, Barnacle Goose and another Godwit on Redwell Marsh

Tree Sparrow, 14th October perched on the wires by the five-bar gate. A bonus bird after enjoying superb views of Short Eared Owl hunting the marsh before dropping into the saltmarsh.

With Barnacle Geese recorded on several dates on recent seawatches, the flocks of Pink-Footed Geese on the marsh are worth checking out.

Barnacle Goose 11th October Holme on the marsh. 1 of several, amongst the Pink-footed Geese.

Black Tailed Godwit 10th October on Redwell Marsh. 1 of a party of 4.

Photos by (and ©) Ray Roche