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!