The winds are still blasting in from the west and slowing things down. Despite this a few birds are on the move.
More Waxwings have arrived today and there are birds spread across the country. I think we can finally start to think about the possibility of a Waxwing winter.
A small arrival overnight 聽of Woodcock is a little surprising given the conditions, although it was a clear night in the east which might have prompted their movement. Now is the peak time for Woodcock migration, all we need is for the temperature to fall in eastern Europe to trigger a large scale movement to happen. As the temperature there is due to drop this weekend and the winds become lighter on Sunday, perhaps that will be the day.
Woodcock (copyright )
Finches are still moving in the strong winds, they are tough little birds, with Chaffinch dominating the overhead movements.聽
The winds remain too strong for any appreciable movement of Woodpigeon but again Sunday could be the day.
Bramblings continue to turn up and seem to be moving straight into gardens; there really does seem to be a complete lack of Beech mast this year.
Snow Bunting numbers have increased along the east coast聽and are bringing the odd Shore Lark with them. These could be the birds to look out for.
Hurricane Sandy delivered an Upland Sandpiper from North America to Spain today. There is still time for something from north America to turn up here. Perhaps this weekend.