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Black Redstart-
If you want to know more about this bird, please visit the RSPB page |
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I was away on my holidays for a couple of weeks in September and playing "catch up" at work for the rest of the month so I haven't had a lot of time to get out and about in the countryside recently.
As a result I haven't really seen much in the way of unusual birds, during this busy month. I have had a few reports of local sightings which make quite interesting reading and it seems that waders have been the highlight of this early part of the migration season.
Nearby Keyhaven marshes have fared particularly well having played host to Little Stints, Ruff, Semi palmated sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Wryneck, Osprey, Blue headed wagtail and a Western Sandpiper. This last species is particularly interesting because if the reported sighting is accepted by the records committee, it will be the first recorded occurrence of this species in Hampshire!
A little closer to home; and Shore Road at Hythe has also had some good reported sightings with more little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, plus a little Gull. I'm pretty certain that I spotted two Curlew Sandpiper at Calshot on September 1st, but they were quite distant so I couldn't be sure. There has also be a sighting of a Red Kite in our area too, as well as Osprey in the Lepe and Calshot area.
As I've mentioned before, late August through to early November is the peak autumn migration time and literally anything can turn up. I fully expect the month ahead to continue giving us a few rarer waders to watch, and even inland we should start looking out for unusual species, with Wryneck and Black Redstart quite possible. Last October there was a Black Redstart on my house roof for most of one particular day, when I was out at work and unable to get to see it!, Luckily my wife managed to get some photos of it for me.
This is also the time to start looking for the first returning winter visitors to our area. A few Brent geese have already been seen, but we can also expect Wigeon and Teal numbers to increase, as well as the arrival of winter Thrushes such as Redwing and Fieldfare.
Look out in your garden for any small birds foraging for insects on your plants. They will mainly be Chiffchaffs or Willow Warblers, but could also be Goldcrest or the rarer Firecrest.
My garden has gone a little quiet in the past week or so after a very busy summer at my feeding station. There is a lot of natural food around at the moment, such as berries, nuts and seed, so many garden birds disperse into the countryside to make the most of the harvest, but they will be back soon!
There is a bird virus around at the moment called Trichomoniasis, which seems to mainly affect Greenfinch and Chaffinch that congregate together at bird feeders and bird baths for example. An infected bird can quickly pass the virus to others and it can be deadly to birds, though it does not affect humans.
It is absolutely vital that we practise good hygiene with our bird feeders. They should be cleaned out regularly to avoid any parasites or fungus which can cause infection. Clear away old rotting food and wash feeders and baths with warm soapy water to prevent mould growing. You can also buy specialist disinfectants to thoroughly clean these items, and remember to always wash your hands after touching anything where birds may have been.
Finally, don’t forget that Autumn Watch with Bill Oddie is on BBC2 during the early part of the month.
Happy birding.
Paul Matthews
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