Chard reservoir sign

What to look for in September

Autumn proper.

 

The only record of Gannet was an immature bird in poor condition in 2008.

The record count of 31 Grey Herons was in September 1997. 3 Great White Egrets arrived together in 2018. A Cattle Egret turned up in 2018.

One of the 3 records of Red-breasted Merganser was in September and one of the 2 records of Ring-necked Duck was in September 2000.

There are 6 September records of Hobby and 4 September records of Osprey including the longest staying individuals.

Waders are probable with Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper being the most likely. Several Greenshank have been recorded and one of the 2 records of Spotted Redshank was in this month. The only records of Knot and Ruff are for September and the only definite records of Little Stint were in September. The 2 oldest records of Wood Sandpiper were in September and one present in August 2013 stayed into September. Little Ringed Plover have been seen twice in September.
In 2016 a Black-tailed Godwit stayed for 8 days and 5 species of wader were seen in one day.

There are 8 September records of Little Gull. The record count of Black Terns was in September 1978 (20-30 birds). This is also probably the best month to find Arctic Tern. 3 Little Terns were seen together in 2005 and 3 of the 6 records of Sandwich Tern were in this month.

Good numbers of House Martins and Swallows are possible as they migrate to Africa.

In 2013 there were 4 Crossbills seen on the 20th of the month.


Sandwich Tern, Black Tern and Common Tern at the Res in September

 

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