At least 5 Blackcaps moved through the scrub along with a Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. A Great Spotted Woodpecker briefly dropped into the Tamarisks, called a few times and headed SE across the river. A Yellowhammer flew over calling and 3 Swallows headed south and a single headed north. On the sea 39 Whimbrel headed north
The Ring Ouzel was in the same spot as yesterday, a Yellow Wagtail was on the lawn along with 6 Wheatears. A Tree Pipit was present in the Cottage before briefly visiting the poplars at the Obs. Its noticeable how the number of tree pipits being recorded in the spring have plummeted this century. In the last 20 years there have been 5 where not a single Tree Pipit was recorded and the best April days have only recorded a maximum of two. A bit of a change from what many 'older' birders remember, who probably once took this species for granted.
The warmth meant there were a few more butterflies on the wing, a female Brimstone was in the Heligoland and Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Peacocks and Speckled Woods were also noted.
The moth trap this morning held a fresh Early Grey, an infrequent visitor who larvae feed on Honeysuckle, so it tends to be commoner in urban gardens.
Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet