19th November

A frustrating day with the wind dropping out completely for the first time since the beginning of the month but relentless drizzle spoiling most attempts at fieldwork - even more annoying was that there were patently new arrivals about leading to a distinct feeling that things were being missed. Newcomers at the Bill included a scatter of Blackbirds and Redwings, 2 Blackcaps and singles of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Reed Bunting on the ground (where several other Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were ringed lingerers and the group of wintering Purple Sandpipers increased to 6) and 100 Goldfinches and a Siskin through overhead; 5 Black Redstarts at Blacknor were the best of the bunch elsewhere. Poor visibility hampered seawatching but a lone Little Gull was logged at the Bill.