12th April 2022

 Weather:  SE force 2

Arriving at Middle Eye at dawn it became clear that the overcast conditions had grounded some migrants with Wheatears and Willow Warblers on the east side rocks prior to settling on the island.

First bird seen on the main island was a cracking male Ring Ouzel that was remarkably approachable and fed around the island over tide. At one point it fed outside the Obs window giving rarely seen views.

Sand Martins and Swallows moved through quickly heading North. 

 At least 16 Wheatear were on the island inc some Greenland race birds.

Thirty Willow Warbler and 10 Chiffchaff fed around the island, some being caught for ringing as were singles of Blackcap and Goldfinch (plus a control Goldfinch that was ringed elsewhere). A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at the south end hiding deep in the bramble, the first this year. Twenty Sandwich Tern fed between the islands at high tide,

 ..... as did both Goosander and Eider.

 As in previous mornings this week a party of 130 Pinkfeet exited the estuary.

The biggest surprise of the morning was on the way off as a Little Tern fed in tidal pools near Little Eye, an early record indeed, and another first for the year.

A couple of Lesser Redpolls came through, while many of the breeding Linnets are now in fine plumage.

Photos AEH