Inland North Minileague. October

The temptation of autumn rarities proved too much for several of the Inland North's birders this month, with some having very little time for patch choosing to spend much of October birding islands in the far north or drinking beer on the Scilly Isles.

Meanwhile, Wayne Gillatt continues his dominance at the top with an almost seemingly unattainable lead, adding Cetti's Warbler and Gannet during the month. The former species was also added by Tom Lowe, a new species at Thorne Moors. Surprisingly a Jack Snipe at Fairburn was the first of the year for Darren Starkey who also added a patch tick with Raven at St Aidan's.

The mid-table spat between Bill Aspin, Jonny Holliday and Mark Reeder continues. With all 3 away for much of  October there was little change, though Bill appears to be breaking away and moving onto his next targets Andy Bunting and Tom Lowe.

A few notable birds for James Common at Stobswood with Slavonian Grebe, Rough-legged Buzzard, Snow Bunting and his 1st patch Stonechat, keeping him safe at the top of the comparative table.