23rd April 2011

The wind swung to the north west in the night with some rain showers, and as could have been predicted migration was much reduced this morning. The Willow Warbler count was just 4 with a single Chiffchaff but nevertheless there were a few quality birds to be found, namely 2 Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat. Tree Pipits continue to impress (10 seen or heard) and the 3rd ringed this year (right) reflects the relative abundance of their passage this spring, while only 1 Yellow Wagtail was logged today. The only Wheatear found this morning was sitting contentedly on a log in the wildlife garden, but Swallows continued to come through in small numbers.


If the warblers declined in numbers due to the new wind direction then the big winner was undoubtably Whimbrel with no less than 22 around the islands (left). The wandering pair of Greylags and a Canada Goose appeared in various parts of the island chain early in the day.


Ringed:- 2 Sedge Warblers (below), 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat (right), 1 Tree Pipit.










(JE,CJ,KM+1,CLW,TGW,CJW,GIW,CJW,SRW) [333-35] photos CJ