Thursday 30th April 2020

Another day of overnight rain which cleared just before first light although a reasonably strong south westerly meant conditions were still unpleasant.

The obvious highlight of the day, if not the month was an early Melodious Warbler trapped in the few nets open at first light. This is only the 9th Obs record and the first since 2009. As with most Melodies it has skulked back into the vegetation and there hasn't been any sign of it since. Also in the bushes this morning were 4 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Chiffchaffs.

A Cuckoo was seen behind the Butts, 8 Wheatears were by the Tank Blocks and four Swallows and a  House Martin headed south.

On the sea 2 Gannets, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit headed north and a Dunlin headed south. At least 3 Common Terns were also seen feeding.

In the moth traps were a few male Common Swifts, the males are often out first with the females hatching out slightly later.

Ringing: 1 Melodious Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Wood Pigeon