A bit of all-round interest today with the wind edging slightly more towards straight easterly which perked up interest on the sea; under clear skies visible passage continued unabated but it remained relatively low-key on the ground. With the conditions having been frustratingly not quite right for a few days the subtle change saw the sea given more attention today: 74
Common Scoter, 2
Red-throated Divers and singles of
Teal and
Shoveler were the pick off the Bill, whilst 90
Black-headed Gulls, 11
Velvet Scoter, 4
Shoveler, 2
Brent Geese and singles of
Red-throated Diver and
Great Northern Diver were the best off Chesil. Visible passage was not quite as heavy as had been the case yesterday but variety is increasing, with a sample half-hour count at the Bill coming up with 180
Meadow Pipits, 85
Linnets, 12
Goldfinches, 9
Sand Martins and 7
Swallows.
Chiffchaffs again dominated on the ground, although even the Bill area only managed a total of 50 or so; the best of the quality came in the form of single
Firecrests at the Obs and Thumb Lane, a
Black Redstart at Southwell and 3
Short-eared Owls still about at the Bill.
Morning seawatching at the Bill came up with what we hope is the vanguard of this spring's Common Scoter passage © Keith Pritchard:
...it's always nice when a flock has other wildfowl tagging along - in this case a Teal © Keith Pritchard:
This Black Redstart was a slightly unexpected garden visitor at Southwell © Debby Saunders:
