14 October: Vizmig on Pegsdon Hills

Unfortunately I was unable to get out early today to make best use of the excellent vismig conditions. A cup of tea on the patio at home revealed plenty of Redwing moving west or southwest through around 8am, with around 200 in six groups over a ten minute spell, also a small group of Fieldfare, some Skylark also.I arrived at Pegsdon around 9:15 and climbing the hill, a group of 3 COMMON CROSSBILL and then 45 Fieldfare flew over with a few small parties of Redwings, some Mipits and more Skylarks but generally dribs and drabs of passage going through for the rest of the morning.

On the hills in addition to the BLACK REDSTART reported earlier (had slightly paler panel in the wing so maybe immature male), just a selection of Mipits, Skylarks, usual finches and tits, with a noticeable increase in Chaffinch around the site, and a few feeding Redwings. A few Chiffchaff remain and Marsh Tits were particularly vocal this morning. Did not see any hirundines today though.

Larger bird count was 3 Red Kite, 2 Raven, 4 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl. Nice day to be out, will be two hours earlier tomorrow so to get the main expecting vismig passing by, and wearing an extra layer...Andy Grimsey