As far as the patch goes, a really good week or so with a few decent birds seen and recorded at night. Birds noted on the 17th September included a Goldcrest (127) whilst on the 18 September 10 Common Snipe flew over, 1 Grey Plover (128) was picked up on call and then seen flying high west calling. Thankfully a few record shots clearly showed the black armpit to confirm this new species for the patch. There were 4 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 2 Raven, 1 Peregrine, 4 Jay, 71 Swallow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Yellowhammer and 4 Grey Heron. The 19th September produced 1 Hobby, 1 Firecrest, 2 Whinchat and 1 Yellowhammer. Nocmig recording at night during the week turned up a mega when I found a call I wasn't really aware of. I posted on Twitter where thankfully Martin Sutherland, an experienced birder and regular 'nocmigger' himself identified it as a Dotterel (129). What a bird to get inland as most records seem to be more coastal. Just goes to show that you never know what is flying over and well worth the late nights and early mornings collecting the recorder before work. Other birds recorded this week included Little Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Wigeon flying over. Just the one more species to make 130 for the year on and around the area. A total I thought was totally unthinkable a few years ago but it could definitely be on. Still need Curlew, Dunlin, some Geese and maybe a bonus autumn bird passing through would be great. What a year its turning out to be.
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