20th April 2021

Weather:  NW force 0/1   NNW 1 by midday, mist

Another good migration day producing another 3 firsts for the year. Only 2 Willow Warblers arrived but plenty of other birds of interest did. A Grasshopper Warbler was caught in the 'heli' trap, a first for the spring.

The next of the firsts was a male Whitethroat found in the obs garden initially

 In terms of numbers the best movement of the day were a total of 34 Sand Martins, in contrast to just 4 new Swallows. Single Wheatear and White Wagtail were noted and a few Goldfinches and a Siskin. Later on the 3rd 'first' appeared below the obs in the form of a Common Sandpiper

 Sixteen Gannets were off shore with 16 Scoter and a Guillemot

and of course the now numerous Sandwich Terns, some of which passed close to the island.

 Recent usual suspects, a Raven and 2 Canada Geese did not disappoint, while the Brent count was 12 plus 2 dark-bellied and 7 Whimbrel were the best of the waders. Suspected breeders included 7 Wrens singing, at least 4 Rock Pipits seen and a possible pair of Blackbirds in addition to the Meadow Pipits and Linnets.

photos AS, SRW