torsdag den 24. april 2014

Migrants!

It was another case today of ignoring the weather forecast with rain predicted from dawn which again, failed to materialise, it was fairly breezy and overcast but we got a good ringing session in; a moderate total of 26 new birds were caught but these did include a high migrant component with 3 Redstarts, a nice male Pied Flycatcher, 9 Willow Warblers and 2 more Lesser Redpolls the pick.
   There were quite an few birds around the station as well with 2 Whinchats in the front field, at least 30 Tree Pipits in the area which couldn't be tempted into the garden, 2 or 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats and an influx of Bramblings and Song Thrushes.


Pied Flycatcher
 
The sea was also very productive with a good flock of Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns fishing just offshore which through the course of the morning attracted at least 4 Black Terns, 5 Little Terns and an Arctic Skua.   A smart summer plumaged Black Guillemot flew east along with single Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, a Greenshank and a few ducks including Wigeon and Tufted Duck.
 
There was a similar selection of migrants at Kroghage in the afternoon as totals there included 7 Redstarts, 4 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 20+ Willow Warblers and c20 Song Thrushes.
 
At least 60 Common and Arctic Terns were still off the point late afternoon where there was also a smart male Grey-headed Wagtail, an adult Little Gull and a male Blue-headed Wagtail.
 
A good varied day for Johan, Jen Lynch (who arrived last night for a few days) and myself especially considering the forecast first thing, tomorrow looks a better day as well (we'll choose to believe that forecast!) so should be good!

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