8th April 2014

Highlight of the day was a strong contender for a Common Rosefinch seen in a local garden before flying off towards the village centre, from the description received this sounds the likely species.  Elsewhere the summer migrants continued with a Sandwich Tern flying north on the sea watch where there were also 2 Sand Martins south,  in addition single Swallows were at Thornwick Pool and Ocean View and a Blackcap near North Landing. The latter site also had a Long eared Owl. The sea watch itself was generally fairly quiet although Fulmars were on the move with 86 north and conversely just one (a “blue” bird) going south.

Long-eared Owl Holmes Gut (A Hood)
Long-eared Owl North Landing (A Hood)

There were several Common Buzzards reported including one at Ocean View and three over the south east corner of the headland which were seen to drift north.  A Barn Owl was seen near Hartendale where a Lesser Redpoll was at the feeders of a local garden.

Common Buzzard (A Hood)
Common Buzzard (A Hood)

The Lapland Buntings at Buckton continue to delight observers with four there today.

Lesser redpoll Hartendale (J & T collins)
Lesser Redpoll Hartendale (J & T collins)