Although once again somewhat hampered by poor visibility the area received fairly widespread coverage due to the efforts of regular stalwarts. The daily seawatch from the Outer Head had to be abandoned due to visibility and transferred to South Landing where conditions were a little better, highlight being a Scaup heading “north” (actually east at this location).
The conservation work that has taken place at Thornwick Pool over some considerable time now is reaping rewards with recent wader records showing the value of being able to adequately control the water levels at critical times of the year. Following on from both Godwit species in the last couple of days today there were singles of Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Redshank and a Little ringed Plover plusYellow Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler a Wheatear and the long staying pair of Shelduck and male Tufted Duck.
Migrant passerines continue to be well reported with the area holding mimimum counts of the following, Willow Warbler 12, Chiffchaff 3, Blackcap 6, Common Redstart 1, Common Whitethroat 10, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wheatear 5, Ring Ouzel 1 and Yellow Wagtail 2 plus good numbers of Swallow, 11 Sand Martin and a House Martin. In addition there were two Whimbrel reported at Micklemires and a Hooded Crow at North Marsh. 26 Fieldfares were in the The Grange farm area.
Ringing at Buckton produced Willow Warbler and both Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Other birds here included Brambling, Fieldfare, Whinchat and Wheatear.
