September 23rd

We had a marvellous two hour's birdwatch this morning on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour in overcast and almost still conditions. Throughout our visit there was a significant westerly hirundine movement and we counted 2,200 House Martins, 1,950 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins and even a Swift with birds still moving W when we left. There had also been an overnight arrival of 32 Chiffchaffs whilst other birds seen included 2 Kestrels, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Hobby, 3 Robins, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 58 Goldfinches, 22 Teal, 1 Whitethroat, 11 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Skylarks, 7 Mallard, 12 Wigeon, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Tree Pipit W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 9 Reed Buntings, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Greenfinches and 7 Chaffinches.

Male Kestrel