The first Wheatear of the autumn for Landguard this morning.
A slight Westerly breeze and a dull, overcast start to the day. A skein of Barnacle Goose went North offshore, a Linnet had a close escape as a Hobby came in high and narrowly missed catching it 3 times over the reserve, the Hobby then continued South and the Linnet headed for the Bramble bushes. The first Wheatear of the autumn at Landguard was towards the Point in the fenced off area.
Noted on the reserve, 8 Ringed Plover, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Dunlin, 1 Med Gull, 1 Wheatear & 1 Willow Warbler. Offshore, 38 Common Tern. Going North, 22 Barnacle Goose, 2 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper 1 Sandwich Tern. Coming in off the sea, 2 Oystercatcher. Going South, 23 Oystercatcher, 5 Common Tern, 5 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Avocet, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Hobby & 1 Little Tern.
Having been decreasing in abundance over the course of this century it is pleasing to report that White-line Dart is back on form with up to 300 a night in the traps this week.
5 birds ringed: Linnet 3, Goldfinch 2.