Friday 13th July 2012

On the move this morning 2 Gannets north & going south 17 Swifts, 16 Curlew, 14 Whimbrel, 12 Gadwal, 11 Oyks, 6 Barwits, 5 Black-heads, 4 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 3 Common Terns, 2 Tufteds, 2 Sand Martin & singles of Ringed Plover, Knot, Turnstone, Sandwich Tern and, most unexpected, a Goldeneye. The number of summer records of Goldeneye we have had over the years can be counted on one hand. A Common Sand headed inland over the obs and up river. A young juv Black Red suggests successful breeding in the docks nearby with another new young Chiffchaff this morning also, presumably, from not to far away. Finally the Serin is still with us - if you still haven't seen it yet then wash your ears out and don't be prepared for a flying visit to Landguard as, although it calls a lot in flight to draw attention to itself, it obviously isn't here all the time.