What to look for in SEPTEMBER
This
is perhaps the best month of the year to see a good variety of bird species, as
migration is in full swing. Almost
anything can turn up, with rarities such as Spoonbill, Osprey, Long-tailed Skua, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike and
Aquatic Warbler noted in recent
years. Some species such as Garganey, Wood Sandpiper, Whimbrel and Little Ringed Plover may already have
passed their peak period, most Swifts
will be long gone and Common and Sandwich Tern numbers will
dwindle. Many other species will
be in their highest numbers however.
Along the Beach Reserve and arable fields there can be large increases
of species such as Yellow Wagtail,
Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Skylark. Often one of the most visible and
spectacular signs of bird migration is in September when thousands of Swallows and Martins assemble before flying south, sometimes amounting to tens
of thousands in one day. Grey Wagtails and Tree Pipits may be on the move overhead early in the mornings,
whilst scrubby areas may hold the odd Redstart,
Spotted Flycatcher and good numbers of warblers. On a few days you may find the three
similar species; Wheatear, Whinchat and Stonechat.
Whilst
the summer visitors are leaving, the first winter birds begin to appear. From early in the month these may
include wildfowl such as Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Pintail. Mallards and Canada Geese may also build up to several hundred. Merlin
may be present throughout the month and towards the month’s end Brent Geese begin to arrive and you may
be lucky enough to see a Short-eared
Owl.
There will still be a great variety of other wildlife about. The Migrant Hawker dragonfly is typically a late summer/autumn species and will be common throughout the area, along with the smaller Common and Ruddy Darters. Butterflies may include Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Painted Lady and Meadow Brown. Many plants will still be in flower such as Common Fleabane, Scarlet Pimpernel and Red Valerian.
