25th April 2020

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

A drake Goosander, two Manx Shearwater and a Bonxie flew north past the Fog Station, whilst 119 Sandwich Terns went south. The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a Richard’s Pipit; given its location, almost certainly a spring migrant and not the bird last seen a month ago that over-wintered. Additional sightings on the headland included the long-staying drake Garganey, three Shoveler, two Gadwall, two Marsh Harriers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, five Dunlin, a Snipe, three Bar-tailed Godwit, two Goldcrests, the year’s first Reed Warbler, two Grasshopper Warblers, a Ring Ouzel, one Fieldfare, 14 Wheatear, a Black Redstart, a Tree Pipit, two Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.

Wheatear, by Craig Thomas