24th March 2016

Weather: WSW force 3, drizzle early

The first Wheatear of the year was found by the south end slipway at 07.40hrs this morning, this is 13 days later the the first last year (which in turn was a few days earlier than expected). Two Merlins were present including one on Middle Eye, also 2 Peregrines this morning and 2 Ravens over. Grounded were 5 Goldcrests and a Fieldfare (above) with over 100 Meadow Pipits passing through, Meadow Pipit passage has been very slow so far this March. Three Rock Pipits are still here, it looks hopeful for another successful breeding this year. Also logged today: 2 Pied Wagtails and a Goldfinch and wader counts of 250 Curlew, 150 Turnstone and a single Purple Sandpiper.
Ringed: 2 Goldcrests.      [ 25-7 ] photos AEH

Redshank roosting with Turnstones