Warblers appear in increasing numbers as the month rolls on. September 20th 2009

With the marauding Sparrowhawk having failed to reappear for a day or so and after a distinct improvement in the weather it would appear to be "business as usual" down here in the valley below Lanjaron. A walk back down the hill this morning brought the now familiar trills of Alpine Swifts over the cliff-face above the river...I counted ten, swirling as usual above the ridge. I suspect these may well be new arrivals from further north, on a short stay before following our other earlier flocks south.

Bee Eaters too would seem to be on the move...I counted a noisy group of about forty this afternoon. No gliding and swooping to feed today though. They flew high up, in tight formation with that slower, more measured flight that gives the distinct feeling that they're "going somewhere", as they headed down the valley towards the coast.

Parties of Goldfinch and Serin pass through all day, adding to the "white noise" of the House Sparrows. Our Spotted Flycatchers are showing no signs of moving off just yet and continue to snatch passing insects from favourite perches around the house. Sardinian Warblers are showing well and I've had great views of both female and male Blackcap, largely absent through the heat of the summer months. The "hoo-wit" calls of Willow Warblers show no sign of thinning out just yet, I'm now seeing them regularly throughout the day.Towards dusk a Chiffchaff sang from cover only yards from where I was working, adding to my conviction that both these Phylloscopus warblers have arrived in some numbers.

As the light started to fade I was even more surprised by the strident, metallic call of a Cetti's Warbler, impossibly close by, and yet completely hidden from view...of course I made the futile gesture of actually looking for it, and it called again enthusiastically as I packed up for the day. Brilliant!

With the prospect of trips out further afield in the coming days I can't wait to see what's happening outside Lanjaron...as ever we'll keep the updates coming in through the weeks ahead!..........