As predicted in the last blog, scarcer species have also arrived, including the first wave of Yellow-browed Warblers. Reports of this small, stripey warbler have been less frequent this autumn than the average for recent years, but small numbers should continue passing through for the rest of October, so there is always a chance of catching up with one. Red-breasted Flycatcher, another scarce migrant, tends to peak in late September to early October and there have been a good number of sightings over the past week, including three on Holy Island, Northumberland, on 28 September.

A whole range of much rarer vagrants from the east have occurred over the last week, including a Siberian Thrush and a Black-faced Bunting in Shetland, a White’s Thrush in Orkney, a Yellow-browed Bunting in Dorset, Brown Shrikes in Yorkshire and on St Kilda, an Isabelline Shrike in Norfolk and a Paddyfield Warbler on the Isles of Scilly. Some vagrants from North America have also been found, including a Swainson’s Thrush in Donegal, a Grey-cheeked Thrush in Devon and a Red-eyed Vireo on Barra, plus a range of American waders.

Even away from coastal hotspots there are always signs of migration taking place at this time of year. Over the past week I’ve encountered Chiffchaffs almost everywhere I’ve been, with even urban parks and gardens being alive with their ‘hweet’ and ‘sweeoo’ calls. Looking to the skies, I’ve also noticed House Martins and Swallows on the move and big counts have been recorded by some migration watchers, for example 31,300 House Martins were counted flying over Dorking, Surrey, on 26 September. I’ve also noted high flying finches on a regular basis, mostly Siskins, but also a few Redpolls and Crossbills, which is a typical feature of late autumn as these species search for better feeding opportunities.