23rd April 2014

Another settled day and one which produced the best arrival day for migrants of late, the headland saw a total of at least 30 Wheatears: 21 on the Outer Head between North Marsh and Old Fall (including 3 by the lighthouse), 6 at Thornwick Pool and 3 at Ocean View. Elsewhere there were totals of 6 Common Whitethroat, at least 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Common Redstarts.  A Sedge Warbler and White Wagtail were at Thornwick Pool. Yesterday’s Ring Ouzel also remained at Old Fall and hirundines were moving south with at least 50 Swallows, a handful of Sand Martins and 2 House Martins involved. In addition to all these an Outer Head garden played host to a Black Redstart .

Northern Wheatear Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Northern Wheatear Thornwick Pool (M Garner)

The Thornwick Pool area received a fair amount of attention and rewarded with three shinzii Dunlin, an acredula Willow Warbler (M Garner) and 2 Shelduck in addition to the above.

Dunlin Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Dunlin Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)

Departing winter visitiors were a Redwing in Old Fall and 2 Fieldfare at South Landing.

A Common Buzzard was also seen over Ocean View.