31st July

In what can only be described as an absolute nose-dive in form compared to recent days, today saw an almost total dearth of migratory activity. Despite the promising looking easterly start, even Willow Warblers remained in single figures as the ringing totals failed to reach double figures. On a brighter note, a Great Crested Grebe past the Bill was the first for the autumn, whilst other highlights included three Manxies, two Balearic Shearwaters and singles of Dunlin and Redshank. There were also a couple of fly-overs with only the second Siskin since the spring, and two Yellow Wagtails. Continuing on the slightly wintery theme (Red-breasted Merganser yesterday and Great Crested Grebe today), the first Teal for the autumn was at Ferrybridge, accompanied by singles of Whimbrel, Curlew, and Sanderling.