Warblers on the move

A bit of early birding at the southern end of the Colne Valley this morning (06.00-12.00pm), produced large passage of warblers moving through. 30+ Garden Warbler, 15 Sedge Warbler, 18 Blackcap, 26 Whitethroat, 6 Reed Warbler, 20 Willow Warbler and single Chiffchaff. Hirundine passage was evident with good numbers of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins numbering 50+ in large flocks followed closely by a Hobby late morning. Incredible numbers of warblers, a real sign that Autumn passage has begun.

"Significant high numbers of Garden Warblers (my highest count ever on single day) was most noteworthy and amazing to see so many birds feasting on ripe Blackberries, and moving in small flurries through the vegetation. Estimate count of 30+ birds is an understatement, as there was so many birds flitting about in denser cover and the ones undetected probably would boost count totals. A rough estimate of 30-60 Garden Warbler between 06.00-09.00am this morning. Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were also in significant numbers, 20+ of each in small flocks during the course of the morning"

On the Butterfly front was also noteworthy with good count of 6 Painted Lady on single Buddleia plant.Peacock, Red Admiral, Tortoiseshell, Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Holly, Blue, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and a stunning Brimstone, totally 34 butterflies of 14 species seen.

Brimstone