At least 2 Common Terns still present, 1 Teal amongst the Mallard flock, c15 Siskin, 3+ Brambling were a real surprise - the first recorded in the valley this year and on quite an early date?, 13 Redwing (parties of 8 and 5) moving east at low level, Many more Goldcrest than normal, 1 Chiffchaff.
A juvenile Common Tern was found by Graham Beverley foraging over Ogden Reservoir on 20th Sept and has been seen by several local birders over the last week.
The numbers of this species increased to 2 birds here this morning and a noteworthy 4 this afternoon. (N.B. These records are apparently the first for any species of tern in the valley since 1998!). A stiff north-easterly wind was blowing and was presumably responsible for bringing these birds in? They put on a terrific display of plunge diving for food over the reservoir in the windy conditions despite occasionally being harassed by small numbers of Black-headed Gulls.
Also about - c10 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Raven, 2+ Siskin, 2 Dipper, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe & 3 Goldcrest.
- the first recorded in the valley this year and on quite an early date?,