Wednesday 28th September

Siskins have been in the news recently, with record numbers being seen on visible migration watches in Scotland and elsewhere, even from late August. Well, these small finches have now reached Longham Lakes, with a flock of 20 this morning in Emily’s Wood. The only previous September record was one over on 8 September 2008.
Admittedly 20 can’t compete with 1300 (one count in Scotland), but it’s good to see these birds making their way southwards.

A female Pintail has taken up residence at Longham Reservoir South today. Ringing at the old Settling Pool site was average, with good numbers of Reed Buntings and Robins, a few Chiffchaffs and the odd Blue Tit to bite the fingers.