2nd September

A definite sign of approaching Autumn late this evening in the shape of a Grey Wagtail going for a carousel ride at the sewage works, the first parish sighting since January. This is a little earlier than usual with birds typically turning up in late September or early October.  This coincides with the departure of Yellow Wagtails and before migration was fully understood it was believed Yellows became Grey Wagtails in winter.

A Common Sandpiper was still on the river this evening

And ahead of the rain clouds large numbers of House Martins dropped in with around 75 birds over Morton-on-Swale including a tight group of 40 feeding over the paddock by the railway. This arrival was replicated across the river in Scruton where Andy Johnston estimated well over 100 birds over the village.