Pallas's Warbler found in the Reserve just after 12.00. Those arriving later saw 2 together. The photos above may show 2 different birds, so I might have unknowingly seen both birds! Still present late afternoon.
The day started with a spectacular display of overhead migration. First off were thrushes. As dawn broke, small groups left the bushes and headed north. Most had gone within 30 minutes, leaving totals of 100 Redwing and 50 Fieldfares, with about 20 Song Thrushes. Woodpigeons then became the main event, and birds were, for the first hour or so literally filling the sky. Moving in all directions, at various different heights and distances, one scan out to sea showed about 3000 birds in view. Later they began moving in a more ordered fashion, heading south/south-east, and the morning finished with an estimated 16000. Small numbers of Stock Doves accompanied them, totalling 40+. All the while, small groups of Chaffinches were moving north, finishing with a total of 1200. Bullfinches were also on the move, a total of 23 being one of the highest counts here. Other notable birds over included 70 Goldfinches, 3 Bramblings, 13 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 2 Reed Buntings, Grey Wagtail and a Woodlark. Small numbers of Skylarks, Pied Wagtails, Meadow Pipits and Linnets also moved north.
Also seen today; Short-eared Owl, Merlin, 2 Golden Plovers, 4 Swallows, House Martin, 18 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests and a Firecrest. On a short seawatch, 3 Common Scoters, a Great Skua and a Diver sp (probably GND) went past.
Last, but by no means least (all birds count at Prawle!), a flock of 68 Canada Geese flying over the Airfileds late afternoon set a new site record.
(records also from Dave Hopkins, John Lambert and Tony Marchese)
