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Tuesday, 30 April 2024

30th April 2024

 Weather:  ESE force 5

It was very windy this morning but on the plus side the south easterly brought us a lot of good birds and the Bluebells were out at the south end.

It was too windy for mist nets and the potter traps needed firmly securing. The chief prize was the first Whinchat of the year.

Seven Wheatear joined the influx (Whinchats seem often to travel with them). 

 

There were 4 Yellow Wagtails today, always a joy to see.

 

About 16 Willow Warblers arrived, they have not finished coming through the island. Three White Wagtails showed and the Whitethroat is still here, still singing just outside the obs garden, while finches did not disappoint, a Siskin, 5 Redpolls and 20 Goldfinches included a flock of 12 in off the sea.

A Chaffinch was ringed, a scarce event lately.

 .... and 2 Robins that were interesting as we haven't seen any recently and they were of opposite sex.

 

 Over 30 Swallows passed through, also 6 Sand Martins and 4 House Martins. Most unexpected of the wildfowl were 3 Barnacle Geese (of uncertain origin) which landed on the east hoyle opposite the obs.



More usual were the Eiders (6), 4 Shelduck and the single Brent extending its stay. Just 30 Sandwich Terns noted, also 10 Gannets which came in on the tide down the east side.

Whimbrel were the stars of the waders again, 13 today, keeping company with 6 Little Egrets.

Ringed:  10 Willow Warblers, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Robins, 1 Whinchat, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chaffinch.

Photos: JE, AS,  SRW

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