7th April 2026

 Weather: ESE force 5/6   S 6/7 in the afternoon

It was very clear at dawn this morning and lacking the huge passage out of the estuary of the Pink-footed Geese, just 24 were recorded during the morning. 

 

A very windy day but who cares when the southerlies bring migrants to the island. phylloscopus warblers arrived in force as expected with 20 Chiffchaff and 25 Willow Warblers. Star bird of the day ( and first of the year) did not arrive until 11.30, a male Redstart that hung around most of the afternoon near the obs. A female Blackcap, 6 White Wagtials and a Pied were good arrivals, also 5 Wheatears (1Greenland), and hirundines comprising a late afternoon House Martin, 9 Sand Martins and 8 Swallows, and finches (40 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 2 Redpolls and 3 Chaffinches) and a House Sparrow. The best bird of the morning, a male Redstart popped in at about 11.30 and hung about the obs most of the afternoon. We had to wait until later in the afternoon for the arrival of a Marsh Harrier and early evening for a Merlin that came in on the east side.. Only 18 Brent were here but here were 4 Eiders (2 of each sex). Two Peacock butterflies flew, and in the moth trap this morning was a Hebrew Character and a Dark Swordgrass. Some birds of typical early spring were also moving, 16 Woodpigeons, 31 Jackdaws, 2 Stock Doves and a Raven. Seen on the sea were 57 Sandwich Terns, 10 Common Scoters and a Razorbill, while not many waders were about, just 4 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 24 Redshank, 45 Turnstones and 4 Purple Sandpipers. Four Little Egrets and 2 Grey Herons fed on the shore.

Ringed: 14 Chiffchaffs, 14 Willow Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Linnet, 1 Greenland Wheatear.  

 Photos BT