Local outings

23 Sept - Recent visits to Blakehill and Shorncote. A definite autumnal feel, with Meadow Pipits passing in good numbers, the Wheatears having moved on to southern climes, and the Swallow passage petering out. Stonechats beginning to appear, with one accompanying a late Whinchat and Blakehill, and 4 the next day at Shorncote - also 2 late (presumably juvenile) Hobbies at Shorncote feeding on dragonflies - mainly Migrant Hawkers - in the windy weather - in view of the unsettled forecast, probably my last sighting this year of one of my favourite birds. Wintering Teal and Wigeon beginning to arrive. An interesting time of year for passage species with one or two scarcities to be expected......