April 2010

Migration watch 06.00 – 11.00, 14.30 – 16.30. a fresh WSW wind easing a little as the day wore on, bright and sunny to start with rain showers on and off from late morning.

The bird of the day was Red-rumped Swallow that whipped through at 06.35, good numbers of Swallows were moving and a minimum of 1150 were recorded, also moving south was a very good count of 8 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Whimbrel in, 3 Stock Dove, 9 Wood Pigeon, 8 Swift in and north, 71 Sand Martin, 14 House Martin, 28 flava Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 8 Rook, 14 Carrion Crow, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 69 Linnet.

There were still a few migrants lingering 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whinchat, 21 Wheatear, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher. 2 Dark Swordgrass were the first migrants moths caught this year.

Migration watch 06.00 – 12.45. A warm day with long sunny spells in the morning and light but persistent rain from mid-afternoon.

Good numbers of migrants again, particularly from late morning: 2 Cuckoo, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 70+ Wheatear, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 37 Willow Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher (1st of year), 1 Siskin.

Light southerly passage in the morning included 2 Marsh Harrier +2 N, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank (1st of year), 2 Swift +3 N, 57 Sand Martin, 342 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 28 flava Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 12 Carrion Crow, 32 Goldfinch, 138 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting. North of the area there were a further 24 Wheatear and a Pied Flycatcher on Beacon Lane.

Migration watch 06.20 – 11.35, 14.40 – 15.40. a bright and sunny day, with occasional cloud cover, and force 2 SSW-S wind.

More common migrants were passing through, the totals today were 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 37 Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, 1 Reed Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 29 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 23 Willow Warbler and 3 Siskin.

Swallows were moving through all day in small numbers, the days total was estimated at 750, other birds moving (south unless stated) were 2 Canada Geese, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 4 Shag, 6 Lesser B.B.Gull, 4 Swift, 45 Sand Martin, 25 House Martin, 29 flava Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Chaffinch, 54 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 102 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer. The Glaucous Gull wandered up and down the coast again.

Migration watch 06.00 – 07.30. Clear blue skies and very little wind in the morning, with a fresher S wind in the afternoon and a covering of light cloud.

There was a large overnight arrival of Whitethroats, from 13 yesterday to 53 this morning and mostly singing males. A belated report of a Reed Warbler yesterday was the first of the year, while other firsts today were Swift (1), Garden Warbler and Jay. Quite a few migrants still around the totals were 1 Cuckoo, 20 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 26 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest at the Point (much scarcer this spring than Firecrest!), a Long-tailed Tit and a Brambling.

Passage was almost non-existent – 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Sand Martin, 60 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 9 flava Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 21 Goldfinch and 66 Linnet.

Migration watch 06.15 – 10.45, 12.00 – 14.00, 15.15 – 16.15. A mainly sunny day and feeling warm out of the fresh SW-W wind.

Another good day for passage with (south unless stated): 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 21 Common Scoter, 1 Great Northern Diver N, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel in, 10 Curlew out, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull out, 3 Stock Dove, 3 Skylark, 90 Sand Martin, 600 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 61 flava Wagtail, 3 Wheatear in off the sea, 11 Jackdaw, 35 Rook, 29 Carrion Crow, 4 Chaffinch, 82 Goldfinch, 187 Linnet and 2 Yellowhammer.

More common migrants coming and going: 1 Cuckoo, 1 Tree Pipit, 30 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 62 Wheatear, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Whitethroat, 8 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler. Other birds of note included 6 Wiegon, 1 Little Egret, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Barn Owl. North of the area there were 20 Wheatear, and a male Pied Flycatcher at Sammy’s Point.

Migration watch 06.00 – 11.00, 13.45 – 17.15. A mainly cloudy morning with regular light rain showers throughout the morning, long sunny spells in the afternoon then a squally storm moved through early evening, a fresh SSE-SSW wind.

Quite a few grounded migrants had cleared out with some new arrivals from mid-morning: 1 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 23 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 9 Chiffchaff, 22 Willow Warbler.

Birds on the move south were 2 Fulmar, 3 Marsh Harrier +1 in, 2 Golden Plover, 21 Curlew out, 90 Bar-tailed Godwit out east, 2 Little Gull out, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 31 Arctic Tern out, 1 Skylark, 195 Sand Martin, 520 Swallow, 17 House Martin, 17 flava Wagtail, 12 Goldfinch, 29 Linnet and 1 Reed Bunting. Other birds of note were 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 8 Whimbrel,1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Barn Owls.

North of the area there were 18 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 1 Ring Ouzel and a Tree Pipit at Sammy’s Point, and a Little Ringed Plover at Beacon Ponds.

Migration watch 06.00 – 12.00, clear blue skies in the morning and high cloud cover in the afternoon, a light SW force 2 wind backed SE mid-morning.

A good day with four additions to the year list, the best of which were 3 adult Cranes that flew low south along the peninsula, giving everyone on the reserve good views. A Nightingale was seen at the Warren early morning, two single Wood Sandpipers flew south and a Common Sandpiper on the Borrow Pit completed the firsts of the year. Other migrant totals included 1 Cuckoo, 1 Rock Pipit, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail, 3 Redstart, 26 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 9 Chiffchaff, 24 Willow Warbler, 1 Firecrest in the Crown car park, 1 Brambling at Kew and a Lesser Redpoll at the Point.

Birds on the move south were 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Fulmar, 1 Marsh Harrier, 21 Oystercatcher in, 5 Whimbrel in + 3 out east, 1 Glaucous Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern N, 160 Sand Martin, 285 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 18 flava Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 30 Carrion Crow, 7 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 170 Linnet, 1 Yellowhammer.

North of the area there were 35 Wheatear between the Crown and Sammy’s Point and 8 at Beacon Ponds, 2 Ring Ouzel at Sammy’s Point and 18 Little Terns at Beacon Ponds.

Migration watch 07.15 – 12.00. A bright and sunny day, still then SW 1 to SE 1+.

An increase in common migrants today including a nice singing male Firecrest in the Crown car park, while other totals included 8 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Redstart, 32 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 11 Chiffchaff, 31 Willow Warbler, and a Long-tailed Tit.

Moving south were 1 Marsh Harrier, 28 Sand Martin, 50 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 flava Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 7 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 4 Greenfinch, 23 Goldfinch, 72 Linnet, 1 Redpoll and 2 Yellowhammer. Other birds of note included 1 Jack Snipe, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Little Tern and 2 Barn Owl, while at Long Bank and Sammy’s Point there were 19 Wheatear, a Whinchat and a Ring Ouzel.

Migration/sea-watch 07.00 – 17.00. A bright and sunny day in light variable winds.

Migrants around were 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler.

It was quite a good day for hirundine passage for April 249 Sand Martin, 169 Swallow and 8 House Martin, while other birds moving south were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 157 Curlew out, 2 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 12 flava Wagtail, 1 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 2 Tree Sparrow, 11 Greenfinch, 38 Goldfinch, 54 Linnet. Other birds of note were 9 Fulmar, 7 Gannet, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jack Snipe, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Glaucous Gull and 10 Little Tern.

Migration watch 06.30 – 11.00. A cloudy start with some light rain becoming clear by the afternoon, a stiff NNE wind decreasing as the day wore on.

Some movement over the sea saw 74 Common Scoter S, 2 Velvet Scoter S, 2 Red-throated Diver S, 23 Fulmar N + 2 S, 16 Gannet N, 1 Glaucous Gull, 12 Little Tern blogging, 9 auk sp N, 1 Razorbill N. Other birds moving south included 125 Curlew out, 4 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 13 Rook, 8 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 5 Linnet.

Birds on the deck were in lesser numbers: the first Tree Pipit of the year, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 9 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler. A Woodlark flew SE over Sammy’s Point where there was a Whitehthroat and a Ring Ouzel with still 35 Wheatear north of the area.

Migration/sea-watch 06.45 – 10.00. A cool day with light N wind.

The bird of the day went to a Woodlark which flew NW, other migrants on the move (south unless stated) were 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Shelduck, 3 Whimbrel + 5 N and 6 in, 37 Curlew out, 7 Sand Martin, 49 Swallow, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 flava Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 14 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, 79 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer.

Grounded migrants were in better numbers today with 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 22 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, 19 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Siskin. North of the area were more migrants with Ring Ouzel and Sammy’s Point and at least 50 Wheatears in the Sammy’s Point/ Long Bank area.

Watches were 0700-0900; 1540-1640 a trickle at sea but rain most of the day dampened any serious birding.

Of note were 4 Teal (Canal Scrape), 134 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter N, 2 Red-breasted Merganser S, 2 Red-throated Diver N, 34 Fulmar (27 N), 6 Whimbrel, 2 Sandwich Tern N, 2 Barn Owl, a Cuckoo (Triangle), a Ring Ouzel (Canal Zone), a Fieldfare and Whitethroat (Point), 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and a Siskin (Kew).

Migration/sea-watch 06.50 – 08.05. Bright and sunny and warm with cloud building late afternoon, almost still to start then a light E wind picking up in the afternoon.

There was a very noticeable increase in migrants today with several more additions to the year list. The main species involved were Willow Warblers (42) and Blackcaps (23 – the highest spring count since 1998), but other migrant totals included 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Redstart, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 17 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest (Point/ Crown car park).

On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Barnacle Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier NW, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 19 Whimbrel in, 5 Curlew out, an Arctic Skua out, 5 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 4 flava Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 11 Rook, 1 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet and 7 Redpoll. Other birds of note included1 Fulmar, 1 Little Egret, 2 Barn Owl, while at Sammy’s Point were 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Migration/sea-watch 06.30 – 09.30, plus small watches throughout the day counting Curlews moving out east

The main feature of the day was again Curlews moving out east which totaled 449 which was one of the best movements on record. It was also a good day after the last week for fresh migrants and today 5 Firecrest, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 1 Cuckoo (1st of year), 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (1st of year), 15 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler.

It was a quiet passage despite the wind moving to the SW quarter (all south unless stated) : 9 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese (1st of year), 15 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Fulmar, 11 Gannet, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzard, 4 Whimbrel out east, 2 Skylark, 6 Sand Martin, 16 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 8 Rook, 2 Chaffinch, 18 Goldfinch, 68 Linnet. Other birds of note were 7 pale-bellied Brents, 44 Teal, 1 Pintail, 1 Glaucous Gull, 1 Little Tern (1st of year),

Sea-watch 07.00 – 09.20. A bright and sunny day with a light NE-ENE wind.

The main feature of the day was Curlews emigrating out east, a total of 125 were recorded. Other birds on the move (south unless stated) were 18 Common Scoter N, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goosander, 12 Swallow, 4 alba Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch and 2 Goldfinch.

While on the ground migrants remain in low numbers 1 Redstart, 1 continental Stonechat, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Sedge Warbler,16 Chiffchaff, and 1 Willow Warbler. Although obviously an escape a Harris Hawk added some interest to the rather dull day.

Sea-watch 08.00 – 09.40. A mainly cloudy day and still cold in the fresh NE wind.

A Bonxie was seen over the sea while other birds over the sea included 2 Shoveler, 3 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 19 Fulmar, 19 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake and 42 auk sp.

On the land there was no visible passage again and highlights included 2 Gadwall, a male Redstart at the Warren, 1 Wheatear, the continental Stonechat still around Canal Scrape, single Fieldfare and Redwing, and 14 Chiffchaff.

Sea-watch 08.00 – 09.40. A cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon and cool in the fresh NE wind.

The highlight of the day was the Observatory’s second ever Caspian Gull, a first year bird flew from the sea onto the Humber, rested for a short while before flying off up the Humber. More phylloscs appeared early afternoon and with least 13 Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, other birds of note included 7 Eider S, 2 Sandwich Tern N (1st of year), 2 Barn Owl, 2 Black Redstart, the Continental Stonechat and a Firecrest at Kew.

North of the area at Sammy’s Point were a Long-eared Owl, 2 Wheatear, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest. A Black Redstart was in Kilnsea.

Sea-watch 07.00 – 09.00. Another bright and sunny day but still cold in a fresh NE wind.

Another dismal day but two additions to the Observatory year list when a Green Sandpiper was seen on the Borrow Pit and 25 Arctic Terns were feeding on the Humber. The only other birds of note were 1 Eider N, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Merlin, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Barn Owl, a White Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Firecrest at Kew.

North of the area at Sammy’s Point were a Long-eared Owl, 2 Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel and 2 Goldcrest.

Sea-watch 07.00 – 09.30. Another bright and sunny day but still cold in a fresh NE wind.

A Firecrest was seen on Beacon Lane, the only other migrants seen were a Swallow, the Continental Stonechat, 7 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler. While over the sea were 2 Greylag Geese, 9 Wigeon, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Glaucous Gull S (a different bird to last few days), 4 Kittiwake and 2 Guillemot.

North of the area produced more birds, at Sammy’s Point there was a Long-eared Owl, a Ring Ouzel and a Goldcrest and a Black Redstart was at Sandy Beaches.

Migration watch 07.00 – 18.00. A bright and sunny all day but cold in a fresh NE wind.

The Water Pipit was seen briefly on Canal Scrape with 1 Scandinavian Rock Pipit, a Firecrest was in the Crown car park, but it was a quiet day otherwise, a Glaucous Gull was blogging about, 2 Whimbrel, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Fieldfare and 14 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and 3 Brambling made up for the rest of the days sightings.

A Green Sandpiper was seen at Sammy’s Point.

Migration watch 06.45 – 12.30. Another warm and sunny day, with a light E-SE wind.

The Water Pipit showed briefly on Canal Scrape and 2 Scandinavian Rock Pipits were also seen. Additions to the year list were a Ring Ouzel at post 60, 2 Grasshopper Warblers at Chalk Bank and post 63 and a Whimbrel at the Point, a Firecrest was just north of the Lighthouse. Other migrants totals were a little down on yesterday and included 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, the continental Stonechat, 7 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart by the Crown, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 17 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Brambling.

A little light passage included 2 Stock Dove, 29 Wood Pigeon, 2 Skylark, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 2 alba Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Rook, 5 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 109 Linnet.

Other birds of note included 4 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Shag, 1 Merlin, 1 Glaucous Gull. At Sammy’s Point there was a Little Egret, a Redstart, 2 Wheatear and a Grasshopper Warbler with a Black Redstart at Sandy Beaches.

Migration watch 07.00 – 10.30. Another nice sunny day with some cloudy periods, a light NW wind veered SE by early afternoon.

A breeding plumaged Water Pipit showed very well in company of a breeding plumaged Scandinavian Rock Pipit on Canal Scrape for a while. A sight not often seen where subtleties of both species can be compared. There was a noticeable increase in common migrants, totals were 2 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, the Continental Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 8 Blackcap, 33 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, and a Black Redstart at Sandy Beaches.

Passage was light again with birds going in both directions (south unless stated): 6 Pink-footed Geese N, 30 Common Scoter, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard + 1 N, 1 Kestrel, 13 Wood Pigeon, 1 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin + 3 N, 8 Meadow Pipit + 47 N, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 alba Wagtail, 13 Jackdaw + a flock of c100 U-turned, 30 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 79 Linnet + 42 N, 1 Redpoll sp and 2 Yellowhammer. Other birds of note seen were a Spotted Redshank, 1 Glaucous Gull off Sandy Beaches, 2 Barn Owl.

Migration watch 07.00 – 10.00. A very nice sunny day with some high wispy clouds and a light W wind.

The best birds were at Sammy’s Point: the first Whimbrel of the year, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Firecrest. Migrants on the peninsula included 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, the continental Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 19 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and a Siskin.

Passage was light but also included birds coming in and moving NW as well as birds going south: 3 Wigeon, 19 Common Scoter, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 17 Curlew out east, 2 Stock Dove, 29 Wood Pigeon, 4 Skylark, 4 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 6 alba Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 29 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 50 Starling, 14 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch and 94 Linnet.

Migration/sea-watch , Cloudy for most of day with rain from mid-morning to mid afternoon and a few sunny spells in the evening, a light N-NNE wind.

An increase in common migrants included the first Redstart of the year, while other totals included 2 Woodcock, 4 Swallow, the Continental Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, and 1 Yelllowhammer.

There was some light passage (all south unless stated): 2 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Eider N, 17 Common Scoter, 1 Shag N, 1 Kestrel in off, 4 Oystercatcher in, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 10 Meadow Pipit + 96 in and NW, 14 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 46 Starling, 8 Chaffinch, 10 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 205 Linnet. Other birds of note included the Black Brant with 2 pale-bellied and 230 Brent Geese, 1 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 3 Shoveler and a Common Scoter on the Humber, 1 Barn Owl in the Triangle.

Migration/sea-watch 06.30 – 11.00. Clear and sunny to start clouding over by mid-morning, a fresh SSE-S force 4-5 wind.

Firecrests were at Southfield Farm and Little Hedge, the first House Martin of the year was over the Blue Bell, there were still 2 Black Redstarts at the Point and the continental Stonechat at Big Hedge, other grounded migrants included 1 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 11 Chaffinch.

Heading south were the first Common Tern and Yellow Wagtails of the year, but also 4 Barnacle Geese, 2 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Knot and 6 Curlew in, 1 Little Gull out, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Sand Martin and 3 Swallow, 22 Meadow Pipit + 9 in, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 alba Wagtail, 6 Rook, 7 Carrion Crow, 9 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch, 19 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 391 Linnet, and 2 Reed Bunting. A Black Redstart and Wheatear were at Sandy Beaches and a Yellow Wagtail was in fields between Kilnsea and Easington.

Migration/sea-watch 07.00 – 14.30. Persistent rain to start with clearing by late morning but remaining cloudy all day, a fresh force 4 SW wind.

A Firecrest was at the Warren and moved to Canal Hedge, there were still 3 Black Redstarts at the Point, other migrants included the Stonechat at Big Hedge, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, and 4 Chaffinch.

Birds on the move (south unless stated) included 5 Shelduck + 7 out east, 19 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 27 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter N, 1 Marsh Harrier in and NW, 30 Curlew in and 3 out east, 2 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit + 43 in and NW, 1 alba Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin and 17 Linnet. Seabirds included 7 Red-throated Diver, 48 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 3 Lesser B.B.Gull and a Guillemot.

Migration/sea-watch 06.45 – 09.30. Mainly bright and sunny with the occasional light shower in the afternoon, and a force 2 W wind.

Moving through were 6 Eider, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 47 Wood Pigeon, 2 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and 23 Linnet.

On the ground were a Jack Snipe and 5 Black Redstarts at the Point, the continental Stonechat, , 2 Redwing, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest (Chalk Bank and post 42). A male Hen Harrier was seen north of the area as was a Black Redstart.

Migration/sea-watch 07.00 – 09.00. Cloudy with some rain showers and a S 2-3 wind

Three Firecrests were seen during the day, 1 at Chalk Bank, 1 at Rose Cottage and 1 caught at Kew, other migrants today included 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, a Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 28 Starling, 6 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet and 4 Reed Bunting. Some light passage, moving south were 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander + 4 N, 2 Red-throated Diver + 5 N, 13 Gannet + 8 N, 4 Cormorant, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 14 Meadow Pipit, 2 alba Wagtail, 6 Rook, 28 Starling, 6 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other birds of note included the Black Brant at the gate, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Shoveler, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Barn Owls. North of the area there were Black Redstarts at Sandy Beaches and Sammy’s Point.

Migration/sea-watch 07.00 – 19.30. Broken clouds and sunny spells and a fresh S 2-3 wind.

Moving south were 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, 26 Meadow Pipit, 7 alba Wagtail, 6 Jackdaw, 60 Starling, 11 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 11 Goldfinch, and 43 Linnet. Just a few grounded migrants included 1 Woodcock, the continental Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff,1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and a Brambling.

Migration watch 07.00 – 09.45. W3 – 5+ at times, cloudy with some long sunny spells.

Some light passage, moving south were 3 Wigeon, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Black-headed Gull, 73 Common Gull, 213 Herring Gull, 38 Meadow Pipit + 15 in, 11 alba Wagtail, 3 Rook, 138 Starling, 45 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 56 Linnet.

The only grounded birds were a Black Redstart at the Point, a Wheatear at the Warren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler at Canal Scrape and 8 Chaffinch.