Chaffinch numbers have been plummeting in recent years across the UK and has been lost as a breeding bird at Landguard. Four seen this morning are probably birds originating from way up north in Europe on their way back from whence they came.
A clear still morning with some haze up river led to a beautiful day. Things were quiet on the sea with a Whimbrel, Curlew and a noisy group 4 Sandwich Terns heading North and a Dunlin was in the old Aggregate Yard with a Ringed Plover. A Hobby came in off the sea, pursued by a group of Pied Wagtails. At least 10 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler, a Garden Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher were in the Bushes. Vis-mig included 24 Swallows, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sand Martins, 2 Yellowhammers and a Tree Pipit.
With the warm weather lots of Butterflies were on the wing, with Green Hairstreak, Small Coppers, Holly Blues, Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Peacocks and Red Admirals all noted. The first Large Red Damselfly was on Butts pond with a Broad Bodied Chaser also present.
A Slow Worm was basking by one of the Batteries again and a Common Seal was seen offshore.
Finally who wouldn't want to see the first Poplar Hawk-moth of the year.
Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Linnet, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Willow Warbler