Birds in the bushes were again restricted to those breeding locally and their offspring. Out on the reserve this morning 3 Lapwing were flushed off the beach and there was a bit of Vismig with 5 Swift, 3 Swallow, 2 Siskin and a Hobby in off the sea.
The sea was better with an unprecedented count of 105 Kittiwake, largely in a single flock heading south. Its likely these are second summer birds moving around rather than adult birds which would be out at sea feeding. Also on the move were 25 Curlew, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Med Gulls, 5 Common Scoter, 5 Gadwal, 4 Gannet, 2 Fulmar and there were 5 Little and 2 Sandwich Terns feeding offshore.
With the only previous records of singles in 2014 & 2015, the discovery of a small number of Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet on the Butts in the last couple of days was unexpected. Now we just need the weather to improve to see if a small colony will become permanently established.
Ringing: 2 Linnet, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Great Tit