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Friday 23rd August 2019

The early risers today were rewarded with views of a northbound Balearic Shearwater in flat calm conditions. This is only the 4th record of Balearic Shearwater for Landguard, and it also holds the dubious honour of being the only species on the British List of birds that is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. If present rates of decline continue, this species will be extinct within 40 years.

Also a sight to behold was the estimated 2,500-strong flock of Black-headed Gull (and 1 Mediterranean Gull identified from a photo of the flock) coming in from the east after sunrise.

Just a portion of the gull flock.

Aside from the dawn gull and shearwater invasion, there were 45 Swallow, 22 Black-headed Gull, 7 Whimbrel, 4 Teal, 2 Fulmar, 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Meadow Pipit all southbound, and 1 Sandwich Tern northbound. On site there were 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat. Also notable was a Coal Tit ringed today, as August is an unusual time of year for them to turn up here, which only 5 previous August records.

There was a significant emergence of Latticed Heath overnight.

Ringing: Robin 3, House Sparrow 3, Goldfinch 2, Woodpigeon 2, Blue Tit 2, Coal Tit 1, Willow Warbler 1, Dunnock 1.