20th April 2023 – bright and sunny NE2/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) were led by a flock of 19 Little Gull heading into the bay at 0723hrs and 2 Common Tern – the latter the first of the year. Also seen were 251 Common Scoter, 112 Sandwich Tern, 45 Guillemot, 23 Gannet, 19 Red-throated Diver, 11 Manx Shearwater, 6 Razorbill, 4 Shag, 3 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler and a single Blackcap in the continued bright and blustery conditions.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit and Swallow trickled through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 57 light-bellied birds while 38 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Shoveler were logged. Waders included 1164 Dunlin, 823 Turnstone, 295 Redshank, 275 Sanderling, 202 Ringed Plover, 145 Golden Plover, 103 Knot, 100 Grey Plover, 52 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and single Purple Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper – the latter was also new for the year.
Breeding Birds
The first Whitethroat have now returned to breeding haunts.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Attractions to the light trap included Early Grey and Red Chestnut – both new for the year.
