Saturday 9th April 2011

A fairly quiet day today with little of interest found. The day began very calm, then the wind direction was noted as east north east. A female Brambling was found calling within the Bird Observatory compound. Birds migrating through today were 12 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Rook and 47 Dunlin. Also 4 Common Tern were seen this afternoon heading north, the first of the year. 2 Wheatear were recorded out on the reserve. 1 of the 2 resident Little Owls was seen in the usual spot at the back of the Bird Observatory, taking advantage of the lovely April sunshine. 14 birds were ringed today; 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Linnet, 1 Robin, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird and 1 Lesser Redpoll. Butterflies found were Peacock and Small White. A Grey Seal was seen offshore.