Early morning on 21 September had a very autumnal feel to it. The previous night was clear and dawn was met with misty conditions in low lying areas. As with much of the week, today the wind direction was from the north-east veering east. I arrived at my destination at sunrise and looking back at where I journeyed from the horizon had a beautiful delicate pinkish colour, this along with the calm and misty conditions suggested a warm, sunny day ahead.
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| Dawn at Bodney 21 September (Looking east towards Watton. |
As is the case at dawn, the first birds heard and seen was the 'ticking' and song of the Robin, at least 5 were present around this small site. Following on from Robins the next calls heard was the "hweet" of migrant Chiffchaffs, of which 10+ were present. Chiffchaff was the only Warbler species recorded here this morning, there was no Blackcap or Whitethroats on this visit.
As the sun rose, Stonechats began to appear in some leylandii (where I suspected they had roosted) and throughout my visit this beautiful species was a constant. The Stonechats would often come quite close, I could hear their alarm call, a harsh "weet trak trak". Stonechats are birds of open, often bleak landscapes, they choose the tallest weeds or bush to perch on to observe from as they nervously flicks their wings. I watched one juvenile Stonechat in an Elder taking and eating a berry.
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| Stonechat (juvenile) at Bodney 21 September 2024 |
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| Stonechat (adult male) Bodney 21 September 2024 |
Whilst watching the Stonechats a single 1st winter Whinchat dropped into one of the Elders, however, its stay was all too brief when it flew off.
Also seen today was a single Grey Wagtail which promptly flew off into the nearby river valley.
A single Mistle Thrush flew overhead giving its football rattle-like call whilst on the ground 30+ Goldfinches fed from tall weed seeds. Two Marsh Tits were seen throughout the visit flying between cover, also one took an elderberry.
One male Yellowhammer was seen, his back was to me, this allowed me to see his beautiful rust coloured rump. A couple of Reed Buntings also visited.
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