First Sand Martin of the year

24thMarch 2011 – bright and sunny SE1
Offshore
Morning observations produced 9 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A small gaggle of 11 Pink-footed Geese were grounded early morning and other new arrivals included 5 Wheatear, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 23 Whooper Swan and a single Sand Martin flew north, otherwise passage was limited to a further trickle of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail admixed with a few Jackdaws.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Barn Owl and Peregrine.
Moths
Following on from the first island records in 2010 a Pale Pinion was again attracted to the moth trap overnight. A Red Chestnut was also new for the year.
Images
Pale Pinion