14th April 2021

Weather:  NW force 0/1     slight mist

Following the first Willow Warbler yesterday, 2 more today (hardly a 'fall'), the arrival of many birds are late but things are starting to move in the right direction, especially with 4 Chiffchaffs on show. There were 2 White Wagtails with 3 species of migrant finches; 8 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 3 Redpolls, and 3 Wheatears. 

Swallows are also becoming more numerous, 7 today, plus a single Skylark. Once again the sea was most productive, more so because it was so calm, grand totals today included 35 Red-throated Divers, 38 Little Gulls, 20 Red-breasted Mergansers, 32 Guillemots, 20 Razorbills, 100 Scoter and 60 Great Crested Grebes which always seem to feature extensively on a flat sea, also 6 Gannets. 

Views of 2 Harbour Porpoises likewise benefited from easy sea watching conditions. After no sightings in the last few days, 5 Purple Sandpipers showed on the tide along with 78 Turnstone, 34 Ringed Plover and a single Whimbrel. In addition to the singing breeding Meadow Pipits at least 5 Rock Pipits are still here raising hopes of breeding this year.

 

A pair of Pied Wagtails are also in the frame for breeding.

 
The Kestrel showed well, sitting on top of the obs building.

The Brent have settled for the moment at 60 birds plus a dark-bellied, they are not expected to stay much longer. 

 The drake Eider was over by the west hoyle bank this morning.