Soil Hill

 Slightly late update from yesterday's excellent morning session up the Hill. I was optimistic that the switch to southwesterly after the easterly arrival would induce some lively VizMig and so it transpired. My watch lasted from 07:30 - 10:30 although movement dropped off significantly after 10:00 with just a few additions afterwards. 

• The most abundant species was Fieldfare with 3308 going south during the morning, mostly in large flocks as opposed to a constant stream. The largest flock was in excess of 250 birds. There were also large numbers of Redwing moving with 934 heading south, largely in their own flocks but sometimes also mixed with the Fieldfares.

• A small group of eight Whooper Swans flew southeast high and over to the east as viewed from the Hill, at 08:45.

• There were a few flocks of Woodpigeon that flew south, with 449 going south.

• Although not masses of finches moving, there was a nice variety with 8 Brambling being the highlight. Brambling is the 100th species I have recorded on Soil Hill in 2022.

In addition to the migrating birds there were a few other bits to enjoy this morning;

• A check of the various pool yielded a single Jack Snipe.

• Halfway down the North Slope a Tawny Owl was roosting on one of the fence posts, my second day-roosting individual on the Hill this year.

• There were nine Teal, which is my highest count of the autumn so far. Eight of these were on the NK Pond, with another in the Bottom Ditch.

In total managed 48 species this morning, the full list here; https://ebird.org/checklist/S121086547

Trektellen count here; https://www.trektellen.org/count/view/767/20221022

-Fieldfares

-Whooper Swan

-Jack Snipe

-Tawny Owl