Wales Minileagues - September

In Wales, the islands lead the way. The Bardsey duo are in the clear and only have each other to beat for the top spot. This island piled on the points again in September with classic Autumn species such as Ortolan, Greenish, Yellow-Browed and Barred Warblers, Richard's Pipit, Red-Breasted Flycatcher and a Nightingale. Steve Stansfield has seen more species this year than Ben Porter, but a higher points per bird score for Ben sees him in top spot with 3 months left to run. Will Steve pay for the trip to Sweden that meant he dipped on the Western Bonelli's? Maybe Steve needs to arrange a trip to the mainland for Ben in October!

Final podium place is filled by Jason Moss on Skomer who has daylight between 3rd and 4th thanks to a healthy point per bird score, evidenced by an enviable list of rarities this year including Black-Headed Bunting, Lesser Yellowlegs and Melodious Warbler.

Zac Hinchcliffe continues to lead the way on the Birdtrack lists, the only Welsh contender into 5 figures.

In the all important comparative tables, 2 competitors are over the 100% mark. Alison and LlanfairTH is running away with the title with an impressive 127%. Ben Porter on Bardsey has an impressive 110%, eclipsing a tough target of 251 from last year with October still to come.