4th May 2015

The winds switched from moderate west-south-westerlies to south-easterlies later in the day, coupled with sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, 46 Sandwich Terns headed north (with 14 south), two Common Terns moved in the same direction and three Arctic Terns went south. In addition, three Whimbrel flew north.

A Barnacle Goose commuted between Thornwick Pools and North Marsh, with a pair of Gadwall at the latter site. Five Whimbrel were on fields near Thornwick, four Dunlin, a Snipe, a Ringed Plover and an Oystercatcher visited Thornwick Pools, with another Dunlin at North Marsh. A Common Buzzard flew over the Dykes and a Short-eared Owl frequented the Outer Head.

Migrants included 12 Swifts, 21 Wheatears, two Tree Pipits, nine Yellow Wagtails and single Fieldfare, White Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler (at South Dykes), Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest and Siskin. A Black Redstart also visited a garden in the village.

Barnacle Goose, Thornwick Pool, by Craig Thomas
Barnacle Goose, Thornwick Pool, by Craig Thomas
Oystercatcher, Thornwick Pool, by Craig Thomas
Oystercatcher, Thornwick Pool, by Craig Thomas