Hunting for Buntings!

Rustic surprise (David Kinchin-smith)

6th Farnes Rustic Bunting (David Kinchin-smith)

Present all afternoon (David Kinchin-smith)

...and just for back up - Little Bunting (David Kinchin-smith)

Monday 15th September comments: Yesterday was good, today was even better. Low cloud with easterly winds (and the occasional rain shower) resulted in a downpour of migrants…and a bit extra.

Good numbers of birds were seen with yesterday’s Little Bunting remaining for a second day although both Red-breasted Flycatchers had moved on. However the real star of the day arrived mid-afternoon as an immature Rustic Bunting was discovered on Brownsman (that island is the place to be at this moment!). The bird showed well and represents the sixth Rustic Bunting for the Farnes following individuals in October 1992, May 1993, May 1994, October 1995 and June 2012.

Its top birding at the moment and I suspect it’ll be more of the same tomorrow…bring it on!

Today’s passage highlights: Skylark 8, Tree Pipit 4, Meadow Pipit 61, Song Thrush 5, Wheatear 13, Whinchat 2, Redstart 4, Robin 12, Pied Flycatcher 6, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 7, Garden Warbler 5, Blackcap 3, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Whitethroat 2, Goldcrest 8, Chaffinch 12, Lesser Redpoll 1, Rustic Bunting 1 and Little Bunting 1.