October was the driest month this year. It was the driest October that I have recorded here, with less than a quarter of the rainfall normally recorded in recent years. It was also storm free and mild, providing a welcome settled spell of weather.
During the month there were plenty of interesting birds to enjoy. Around 100 species were recorded. October is arguably the busiest birding month, as summer breeders depart, migrants pass through, winter visitors arrive and there is always a strong chance of something unusual.
The build-up of the number of winter thrushes, fieldfare and redwing was a feature of the month. There were widespread reports of the birds feasting on autumn berries, with flocks in the hundreds being reported in the north and in the south of the island including 1,300 fieldfare and 300 redwing in Sliddery on October 29.