The seasons march on and come October the pendulum has swung fully round such that the arrival of winter visitors far outweighs the departing minority. While this month can bring some tumultuous weather it can also produce some great variety too for those willing to venture out.
Headlining this month must surely be the arrival of thousands of Redwings and Fieldfares to our shores along with many Song Thrushes and Blackbirds.
From the first week
of the month Redwings should start to trickle into the county and their calls be heard overhead at night. Mid-October also sees the start of the big autumnal Woodpigeon movement along with lesser numbers of Stock Doves. If the conditions are right, some days, typically in mid-October, can see huge arrivals of birds streaming across our skies in a south-westerly direction. The spectacle is exciting if you witness it and brings with it the possibility of other winter migrants too.
Finches and Skylarks will be on the move with Chaffinches making up the most numbers with the chance of Brambling with them too. Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers and Linnets move in small numbers too along with a continuing passage of Meadow Pipits. Siskins and Redpolls will also arrive in force, but numbers fluctuate considerably year to year. Outside of an eruption year, this is also perhaps the best month to connect with a passing Crossbill or Hawfinch.
With all these birds on the move ‘vismig’ (visible migration) takes centre stage with any vantage point giving the possibility of witnessing migrating birds. Still mornings are best and if it is slightly overcast visibility is improved but most days birds will be on the move including wagtails and pipits but also waders. Two to look out for flying over are arriving Golden Plover and Common Snipe while October is a good month for Little Stints or Ruff to visit local water bodies.
Wildfowl numbers will continue to increase with many drake birds finishing their moult and appearing resplendent in their new breeding colours. Goldeneye and Goosander should make a reappearance along with the chance of something rarer such as a North American duck species or a Pink-footed Goose. October can also bring some tempestuous weather, and, after a storm, local water bodies are worth checking for seabirds such as a Gannet, Kittiwake, Fulmar or even a Storm Petrel. This month is also one of the best months to look for Rock Pipits that can easily go unnoticed at the water’s edge.
On the land roving tit flocks continue to be a focus of attention with one particular Siberian gem being the target – Yellow-browed Warblers. Familiarity with their call is essential but picking through bands of Chiffchaffs, tits and Goldcrests may reveal one. While looking, a Firecrest might also reveal itself or a late whitethroat species. With the influx of thrushes, keep an ear out too for the harsh ‘chack’ call of a Ring Ouzel as they make their way down from the moors in the north. They are one of the last summer migrants to make a move south and as a result can cash in on the laden berry bushes.
Stonechats will be back in good numbers in their usual winter territories and are worth looking for on any area of grassy scrub. While late Whinchats are possible check every little bird that pops up on top of the scrub as a Dartford Warbler, albeit rare, is a possibility. Closer to urban areas, Black Redstarts may also make an appearance – possibly just for a day but maybe to overwinter too.
The remaining Swallows and House Martins will leave in their entirety in this month along with most of the warbler species and, at times, October can feel quiet with birds concentrating on feeding rather than calling or singing. However, the month can throw up real surprises but perhaps demands a greater effort to find them, not least because of the shorter days and inclement weather. As always, perseverance pays off!
October Rarities from the last 10 years:
Great Shrike – Heartwood Forest (2015)
Ferruginous Duck – Tring Resevoirs (2016)
Ring-necked Duck – Tring Resevoirs (2015 & 2016)
Spotted Crake – Tring Resevoirs (2018)
Snow Bunting – Tring Resevoirs (2020)