An unexpected visitor this morning in the shape of a Redwing of the Icelandic race Turdus iliacus coburni (left above, with a nominate T.i iliacus on the right) which winter in Ireland, Western France & Iberia. There is apparently no evidence from ringing recoveries linking Icelanic birds with England so why this individual should turn up here is open to speculation. We have had a couple of records here previously last century also in the spring - so do very small numbers pass north through England on their way back to Iceland ? A small selection of other expected early March migrants also on site as evidenced by the new birds ringed including the first spring Goldcrest. Offshore heading north 21 Red-throated Diver, 10 Brent & Common Scoter plus south bound 6 Brent.
11 birds ringed: 4 long-tailed tit, 2 redwing, 1 blackbird, 1 goldcrest, 1 great tit, 1 chaffinch, 1 goldfinch.