26th March

Not before time there was a much more positive vibe to events today, with the first decent little drop of grounded migrants at the Bill. Totals of 75 each of Wheatear and Chiffchaff made up the bulk of the numbers, but variety/quality came in the form of 5 each of Blackcap and Willow Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzels and singles of Common Sandpiper, Black Redstart, Goldcrest and Firecrest; sadly, new arrivals were in short supply elsewhere, although the Iceland Gull continued to entertain on its frequent visits to Ferrybridge. In a light north-easterly the sea promised more than it delivered: a passing Long-tailed Duck was the pick of the bunch off the Bill, where 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Manx Shearwaters and 2 Common Scoter were just about the only other migrants logged.