Visible migration in September and into October involves Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins and all sorts of other passerine migrants. Migration depends on weather and visibility. Days that are clear and sunny, both in Alderney and at departure points in southern England, can produce numbers of passing birds. The best place to see these is generally the heath area at the extreme western edge of the island. Because the migrants have to cross an expanse of ocean before reaching Alderney, they generally start arriving on the island at about 10.00 a.m. or 11.00 a.m.
Migration can continue until early afternoon.
Skylarks and Meadow Pipits arrive during September and October, some stay and some pass on. Other regular migrants at that time include wagtails, Sparrowhawks Grey Herons, etc. In October migrant finches arrive, flocks of Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, etc., throughout the month. Finches cross the island at all points, but sometimes a concentrated movement passes the east coast and can best be seen at the north-east tip of the island. Night migrants, stopping over on Alderney, include Wheatears, which can be seen throughout September and sometimes into October.