Horrid autumn- 9/10/17

7:15-9:15
Viz Mig- Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 14 Skylark, 31 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail, 22 Chaffinch, Brambling, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 3 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting.

Pt- Meadow Pipit 2, Chiffchaff, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 6, Blackbird 4, Chaffinch 6, Linnet 23, Reed Bunting 5.

Time to introduce the mound-shaped secret weapon.

In all probability, the main movement is on a broadfront, just that little bit too high overhead. Some Diurnals have to refuel, come a bit lower. Some diurnals might have drifted that tad off bearing, need to adjust in the first few hours. Some will continue moving for the moment, but looking for the opportunities to feed and rest as they go. Some plough on through staying high, some drop a little lower.

The second hour after dawn is THE time. Forget birds crossing the estuary; some will, most won't. They will be funneled by leading lines. For the rest of the month the viz mig will be split between the Point and the Mound, that lovely man-made viewpoint back on shore. Will the gamble pay off?

The Mound, 9:25-10:25:
(viz mig west) Sparrowhawk 3, Great Spotted Woodpecker 2, Stock Dove 5, Meadow Pipit 6, Pied Wagtail 2, Redwing 13, Song Thrush 12, Blackbird 6, Mistle Thrush 6, Starling 251, Chaffinch 1,052, Brambling 2, Goldfinch 121, Greenfinch 4, Crossbill 3, Siskin 2.

That'll do Kev, that'll do.

Between the uninviting mudflats and railway line by the sprawl of Twydall, greenfield land (for now). Orchards, fields, scrub. Migrant magnet. 'Scope set up south, over the Lower Rainham Road. Most at quite a distance, but worth it. The walk up to Twydall late morning just produced a trickle of late movers, but left me dreaming of watching slightly inland another year. Getting ahead of myself, plenty of 2017 left, will be hitting the Mound hard.