First Little Tern appears offshore

28th April 2011 – bright and sunny NE1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced the first Little Tern of the year and Red-throated Diver were on the move with 42 birds logged including a flock of 13 summer plumaged individuals flying into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 54 Common Scoter, 12 Manx Shearwater, 9 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
At least 4 Grasshopper Warbler were on territory but newly arrived birds were few and limited to single White Wagtail and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 8 House Martin were amongst the continued trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A lingering Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.