The weather today was classic for a rarity to turn up. The winds were from the East and heavy cloud overnight. Just when you least expect it, a very rare bird did turn up.
Early morning, this juvenile Arctic Warbler (above), was found in one of our mist nets. A cracking bird and this then showed throughout the whole day for visiting birdwatchers and at times giving great views! This represents the 2nd record of this species for the observatory.
The other decent bird of the day was a Barred Warbler out on the nature reserve mid morning, but unfortunately disappeared from view not to be seen again.
Migrants otherwise consisted of 79 Meadow Pipit, 30+ Chiffchaff, 27 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Blackcap, 3 Wheatear, 2 Common Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat and 1 Sparrowhawk which was seen to take a Wheatear from the nature reserve.
Sea watching produced 35 Wigeon, 9 Cormorant, 4 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 1 Gannet and 1 Teal.
Ringing: 23 birds ringed this morning including 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Robin, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Arctic Warbler.