A bit busier today, 12 birds ringed: 3 Blackcap, 2 each of Spotted Flycatcher, Reed Warbler and Chiffchaff, and singles of Willow Warbler, Linnet and Garden Warbler. Elsewhere the bird of the day was a Roseate Tern off the point at 08:20, which was annoyingly moved on when the Peregrine passed through. 34 Brents were seen heading North as well as 4 Sanderling, with a Greenshank moving up river and 2 Mute Swan and a Common Scoter South. The first Dark Sword Grass of the year was in the moth traps along with a good number of other common species, the warm weather appears to be encouraging invertebrates eventually, as a Hairy Dragonfly was also seen on the reserve.
Other exciting news came through today via email, which included a picture of a Little Bunting in the cottage garden. The picture was taken on the 24th of April this year when other observers had a possible Little Bunting which was lost before being positively identified. Many thanks go to Nick Croft for his picture that confirms this sighting.
Little Bunting 24th April 2012 (Nick Croft)
