16th April 2011

A pleasant day with very little wind. The day began with complete cloud cover. A Ring Ouzel was found on the reserve although at times rather elusive. The first 2 Lesser Whitethroats of the year were heard singing this morning, one in front of the observatory. 28 Swallow migrated south as did 1 Fulmar and 6 Goldfinch. The first 2 Sandwich Terns of the year were seen heading north. An impressive 30 Wheatear were found out on the reserve. Also found today was a Tree Sparrow. It was extremely quiet on the ringing front with a very poor number of new birds being trapped and ringed. 6 birds ringed in total today; 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet. A Small Tort, Small White and Green veined White butterfly were also recorded.

15th April 2011

The highlight of the day was a Ring Ouzel heard calling early morning, it was later seen within the Bird Observatory compound. Other birds included 13 Little Gulls seen moving in an easterly direction. 15 Wheatear and 1 Turnstone were found out on the reserve. 33 Dunlin flew south as did 1 Fulmar, 3 Brent Geese and 5 Swallow. A female Firecrest was found late morning within the Bird Observatory compound. 3 male Whitethroats were found close to the butts pond out on the reserve. 18 birds riged today; 2 Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Wren and 1 Blackbird. There was a Grey Seal seen offshore. A Small White butterfly was recorded.

14th April 2011

Migrants on the move were 4 Common Scoter going north, 2 Curlew, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Swallow, 2 Rook and 3 Goldfinch. Grounded migrants found within the recording area were 6 Blackcaps, 5 Willow Warblers and 3 Whitethroats. On the reserve 10 Wheatear were seen. The resident ringed Redwing was found within the Bird Observatory compound, it hasn't left us yet! There were 14 birds ringed today: 2 male Wheatear, 1 male Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Linnet and 1 Blackbird. The Weasel was found once again on the prowl! Butterflies recorded were Small Tort and Small White.

Wednesday 13th April 2011

A Wryneck was reported by a visitor half way along the butts on the road side earlish this morning but no sign since (but that doesn't mean it's not there). The first Whimbrel of the year went south as did a few Swallows. In the bushes a handful of new Blackcaps & Whitethroats noted and at least 9 Wheatears are on the reserve.

Tuesday 12th April 2011

A north-westerly wind made birding today very hard work! Highlights were a ringed female Firecrest, obviously yesterday's bird; 1 Brambling and a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull. Migrants on the move were 20 Dunlin, 15 Black-headed Gulls, 26 Swallow, 2 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow and 1 Goldfinch. Only 4 birds ringed, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Chaffinch. Butterflies recorded were Peacock, Small Tort and Small White. Hopefully tomorrow will be much more productive!!

Monday 11th April 2011

The wind direction was north-westerly; migrants on the move today were 2 Brent Geese, 4 Swallow, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Skylark, 1 Carrion Crow and 1 Goldfinch. The first Common Whitethroat of the year was ringed today. 15 Wheatear were found on the reserve. A female Firecrest was found within the Bird Observatory compound. Another smart looking male Common Redstart was trapped and ringed. 23 birds ringed in total today; 1 male Common Redstart, 1 female Firecrest, 5 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Common Whitethroat, 5 Linnet, 1 Wren, 1 Robin and 1 Woodpigeon. A Small White butterfly was found, on the move.

Sunday 10th April 2011

Hard work. Cold ENE breeze and clear conditions are not conducive to hordes of migrants. In the bushes a Chiffchaff & a new Songie with 4 Wheatears, a Black Red & a Lapwing on the reserve. Offshore 2 Eiders went south & one north plus a single Common Tern north. The 3 Purps have reappeared on the groynes in front of the Butts just to remind us that, for some species, it is still winter.