Redwing, a wintering thrush enjoying the autumn berries.
Photo Mike Rose
While October 2016 was the driest month of that year, with less than a quarter of the rainfall normally recorded in recent Octobers. This October was more typical, with more than three times as much rain as last year, continuing the cool wet weather which had been a feature of the previous three months.
Having said that, during October there were plenty of interesting birds to enjoy and almost 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.