A good migration day in a strong south easterly brought an unparallelled count of over 330 Goldfinches through the island, even exceeding the Meadow Pipits today which were less than 3 figures. Among the Goldfinches were 15 Siskins, but remarkably only 1 Chaffinch and no Greenfinches. 
The other feature today was the arrival of the first Grasshopper Warbler (above) and Yellow Wagtail of the year, while other warblers on the ground were 15 Willow Warblers and 12 Chiffchaffs with the addition of 6 Goldcrests and about 10 Wheatears (right). A single early Tree Pipit flew over, although wagtails were very scarce, 2 White Wagtails did make the list. The passage of hirundines increased as the morning progressed reaching 50 Swallows, 15 House Martins and 6 Sand Martins.
Just before noon the members witnessed the departure of 19 of the 50 Brent Geese remaining, as they made a commotion and launched themselves off, disappearing off high to the north, the 31 left may go any time now. Whimbrel are now arriving in some numbers, several were calling from the shore and a flock of eight flew around the island. Earlier 70 Bar-tailed Godwits were also seen to fly high to the north east. Four Gannets were noted also 40 Sandwich and 2 Common Terns and 3 Razorbills resting on the sea off the north end.
Ringed:- 8 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Robins, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Wheatear. [ 224-21 ]
(DB,AEH,CJ,KMc+SD,et al) photos CJ
No comments:
Post a Comment