A Saturday on the local patch. I had to wait for the fog to lift before seeing much but I could hear a Greenshank calling as it buggered off elsewhere - a sensible move as tomorrow sees the start of the hunting season at this site and France still allows Greenshank to be shot. Fourteen Corn Buntings could just be made out as they left their reedbed roost making a dry "pt" sound - like the noise you feel when you touch an electric fence. In the past week the roost has had up to 71 birds in it which isn't a bad number at all. Misty Morning         Two Marsh Harriers and an Osprey passing through gave a bit of hope for some migration but apart from the numerous Swallows , the only other movement was a group of five Stock Doves . Bird of the day was a rather obliging Ringed Plover - quite the scarcity on the patch it's the first in two years. I have named it Charlie. Charlie El Chorlito.              ...

    Following  migrating birds at the Franc-Comtois migration hotspot of Pont-de-Roide has never been (nor ever will be) my favourite activity. Despite this, every Autumn I often spend my Fridays either freezing my arse off or baking under the hot sun counting birds of all shapes and sizes as they pass through. Coordinated counts have taken place here since 2008 and I've helped as and when I can (and feel like it) since 2018.       Today was my first visit to "Le Caillou" this season. I admit I had't been very motivated to make the journey this year as many days have been hot and windy under a blanket blue sky - far from ideal conditions. In the end today wasn't too bad for the weather, not extremely hot, very slight wind and a good few clouds in the sky to offer relief from the sun and useful markers to help others get onto the birds.      Upon arrival at 7am I almost regretted not waiting another week as there was bugger all seen or h...