South-westerly winds strengthened during an overcast day, whilst temperatures also increased to peak at 18 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 95 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, two Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, the year’s first juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 33 Sandwich Terns flying north; two Arctic Skuas lingered off the headland.
The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a Rosy Starling in the middle of the village; it then relocated to North Marine Road. Thornwick Pools hosted three Little Ringed Plovers, five Lapwings, two Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull – the latter potentially the same individual seen earlier on the seawatch. Additional sightings included seven Little Egrets, another Green Sandpiper south over Oceanview, one Cuckoo, a Grey Wagtail and two Crossbill.
A total of 29 birds were ringed including a Reed Warbler and two Sedge Warblers.
