30th April 2022

 Weather: SE force 3    misty

Another day of Willow Warbler drift, 20 arriving this morning and the first Whinchat to be ringed this year was caught in the SK trap. 

 

Six Wheatears were around the island today, and another Blackcap and Whitethroat (1 of 2 present) were ringed. Overhead passage included a Tree Pipit, 4 flava (Yellow) Wagtails, and a Siskin while the 6 Goldfinches as usual were more visible. There were 1,500 Dunlin flying about at high tide and amongst them a Curlew Sandpiper was identified, the first seen here this year and a reward for the diligent examination of the flocks. A singing Skylark was an unexpected visitor and 30 Swallows and 5 Sand Martins were noted. Among the Shorebirds there were at least 6 Shelduck,

and the now regular 3 Eiders, the male Scoter, 2 Little Egrets, no less than 30 Whimbrel, 20 Ringed Plover and 18 Turnstone.

Thirty Sandwich Terns and 2 Gannets were the best of the sea birds.

Ringed: 14 Willow Warblers, 1 Whinchat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap.

Photos BT, SRW