Bird News: October 2024

At least four Cetti’s Warblers were singing on Congresbury Moor and adjacent sections of the Strawberry Line with a couple of Chiffchaffs restricting themselves to quiet calls. A pair of Stonechats were present on the YACWAG fields with a Heron and a flock of 15 Meadow Pipits nearby on the 2nd. Stonechats were noted by the Little River south of Chestnut Park the next day and three Skylarks flew over – October is the month to see and hear them call as they fly over on migration. 

Redwings were heard passing over Yatton late on the evening of the 3rd, an early date. They are likely to have been birds heading much further south. There was heavy rain early on the 8th which probably brought down two Yellow Wagtails and a Whinchat by Wemberham Lane. There were four Yellow Wagtails by the pylon track viewed from Wemberham Lane on the 10th with a Stonechat and a Reed Bunting nearby. A group of seven Skylarks flew over calling. The following day was sunny and clear and a Kingfisher was seen by the Little River (it passes under the B3133 near the Bridge Inn). There was also a Yellow Wagtail, a couple of Little Egrets, Linnets and Meadow Pipits with a flyover Sparrowhawk.

More remarkable was the report with pictures of a Hoopoe in Lower Claverham but it wasn’t seen subsequently. A flyover Peregrine at a Wemberham Lane had a backdrop of a hot air balloon over the sunlit Mendips. A member looking at the Harvest or Hunters Moon (17th) also heard Redwings calling and the next day I heard a Siskin passing over. The heavy rain caused the Wemberham Rhyne system to be lowered earlier than usual and Little Egrets soon arrived to feed in the shallow water.

On the 22nd it was Woodpigeons flying over south west – I counted 2,240 from 1015 to 1120 and this is certainly an under estimate and most likely a big under estimate. Otherwise a flock of 110 Linnets at the far end of Wemberham Lane was impressive.

A Red Kite over Horsecastle was unseasonal whilst an evening Barn Owl in the Wemberham area was more expected but very welcome. And speaking of Owls noisy Tawny and Little Owls have been heard in the Stowey area. There was a good showing of Kingfisher(s) on Little River and Wemberham Lane towards the month end and a Woodcock on the Strawberry Line was a major surprise. Marsh Tit and Treecreeper were on Cadbury Hill and another Red Kite was by Claverham Drove on the 30th.

Thanks to all members who sent in sightings and/or photographs, they are always very welcome – please submit to birds@yacwag.org.uk

Trevor Riddle