Thursday, 17th May 2012

With a southeasterly wind and drizzle at dawn, a few grounded migrants were expected, and these were pleasingly realised in the species ringed and grounded birds found.

Ringing
2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (new species ringed for the obs), 1 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 1 Blackbird and 1 Chaffinch.

 Spotted Flycatcher. First ringing record for the obs.

Willow Warbler

Grounded Migrants 

At least 30 Sedge Warblers around today, with 10 of them new in, 4 new Reed Warblers, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Blackcap, 6  Whitethroat and 14 Wheatear.

 Sedge Warbler

Offshore

1 Red throated Diver east, 1 Guillemot, 5 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Scoter and 300 Knot west. 

Visible Migration

9 Whimbrel came from west, landed on beach briefly then left high to the northeast. After the drizzle stopped at 1050; 216 Swallow NE, 9 Sand Martin NE, 31 House Martin NE, 6 Redpoll east and 2 late Siskins east.

Whimbrels on the shore

Others

42 Ringed Plover, 41 Turnstone, 58 Sanderling, 85 Dunlin and 1 Little ringed Plover. Over the pools 20 Swift, 20 House Martin and 3 Sand Martin.