Friday 26th April 2024

A quiet morning that warmed up nicely as the hours passed. Not a huge amount about but definite signs of spring, a couple of willow warblers were singing lustily around the observatory as were a couple of blackcaps, a few lesser whitethroats and the almost ubiquitous Cetti's warblers and black redstart. A reed warbler sang for a few minutes in the compound and a sedge warbler was singing intermittently up by the Butt's pond. Some individuals of species were clearly moving through, a male greenfinch on the hunt for a mate, single rook, jackdaw and buzzards flew south and a house martin moved north. With the sunny conditions a few butterflies were out, green-veined white, small white and brimstone.

Birds Ringed: Blackbird 1, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 1, Goldfinch 1, Reed Warbler 1, Willow Warbler 2. 

 

RINGING RECOVERIES

Chiffchaff ringed LBO on autumn passage 11th September 2023 retrapped 8 km away on spring passage at Walton-on-the-Naze 8th April 2024.

Willow Warbler ringed on autumn passage at Lancing, West Sussex on 16th August 2023 retrapped 165 km away on spring passage at LBO 12th April 2024.

Blackcap ringed on autumn passage at Clanfield, Oxfordshire on 22nd September 2023 retrapped 200 km away on spring passage at LBO on 11th April 2024.

Lesser Redpoll ringed LBO 10th November 2023 retrapped 17 km away at Hollesley 6th March 2024.

Thursday 25th April 2024

A quiet morning, with little in the way of passerine migration, and the main highlight out to sea being 28 gannets heading north. 3 male blackcaps have hung around the last few days singing, probably birds that will eventually move on, but the species has bred here before, and it would be nice if they did so again. Lesser whitethroats and Cetti's warblers were also in full voice and the local linnets are nest building currently. Wheatear numbers are low with just 2 observed in the last few days. The black redstart is still singing from the fort, though he's very elusive.

Birds Ringed: Blackcap 1, Goldfinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wren 1. 

 

Wednesday 24th April 2024

 

Cool conditions not good although it did deliver the first Woodlark of the year. Other migrants were 5 Lesser 'throat, 4 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat & Willow Warbler. Offshore northbound 3 Common Scoter, Curlew, Greenshank, Oyk, Red-throated Diver & Whimbrel with southbound single Common Scoter, Curlew, Fulmar & Oyk. A Teal was sat offshore before heading north.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Robin.

Tuesday 23rd April 2024

A sprinkling of new migrants today, along with a few birds that have been here for a while. Apart from the Cetti's warblers , some of which have been here since October, a second year female firecrest has been undetected here for a week, leaving the local observers doubting their birding skills. 2 Lesser whitethroats, 2 willow warblers and a male blackbird were fresh in. Out to sea the highlights were a pair of fulmars and a handful of waders passing. 3 swallows flew south, still low numbers of this species this year.

Although the larvae get recorded, the Mullein moth is only rarely seen here. 

Birds Ringed: Blackbird 2, Blackcap 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Linnet 1, Willow Warbler 2. 

 

Monday 22nd April 2024

 

The breeze abated but is still from a northerly direction. Worth a mention are 6 Wheatear, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Lesser 'throat, Chiffchaff & Whitethroat. At least 26 Curlew came out then north will be heading back to their breeding grounds. Offshore movements almost non-existent.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap.

Sunday 21st April 2024

 

Considering the northerly breeze slightly better than anticipated on site with 12 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser 'throat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff & Sedge Warbler. Several Cetti's & singing Black Red still here (if they fail to get a daily blog mention then don't worry as their song is part of the ambiance at present). Considering the Gannets yesterday, just the one this morning with a meagre amount moving offshore including northbound 2 Whimbrel & a Fulmar with southbound Black-throated Diver & a Whimbrel.

Ringing: 3 Linnet, 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler.