9th November 2014

Weather was sunny throughout the day, with a moderate south-westerly. The 1st-winter Citrine Wagtail showed well at South Dykes throughout the day, whilst the Water Pipit was again at South Landing. A probable Short-toed Lark was seen well, but briefly, in flight late morning before heading towards the village with 20 Skylark. 3 Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting were also noted. Other birds on the land included 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Merlin, 1 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff. Woodcock were on the move, with 5 birds recorded, including a particularly showy bird on the beach at South Dykes. A Short-eared Owl also flew in off. The seawatch produced 1 Little Auk north, with 8 Little Gull and 4 Goldeneye south. At Buckton, 40 Twite and 80 Skylark were present in the large stubble field next to Buckton Hall; a single Wigeon remained on Buckton Pond. Sightings at Hoddy Cows Lane included 5 hunting Short-eared Owls just east of the Heligoland trap, Woodcock,  150 Lapwing, 9 Whooper Swans and 150 Pink-footed Geese flying east.

Short-eared Owl, Buckton, Mark Thomas
Short-eared Owl, Buckton, Mark Thomas

Woodcock 01Woodcock, South Dykes beach, Andy Hood