The gradual slip back into normal June mode continued, with three appearances by the Serin at the Obs - where there was also an unseasonable Black Redstart - the day's highlight. The migrant tally at the Bill included a handful of arriving Swifts and hirundines, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and singles of Hobby, Dunlin, Wheatear and Willow Warbler; Ferrybridge was busier, including 28 Sanderling, 11 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Shoveler and 2 Knot. Three passing Arctic Skuas and the likely lingering Balearic Shearwater off the Bill were the best from the sea, with 10 Sandwich Terns, 2 Whimbrel and a Sanderling also through there and 2 Knot through off Chesil.
Arctic-bound waders continue to pass through at Ferrybridge with Sanderlings considerably better represented than Dunlins just recently...
...several Bar-tailed Godwits have also taken up temporary residence there and, since the bulk of their passage through this area took place getting on for seven weeks ago, we wouldn't be surprised if these birds are giving a breeding attempt a miss this year © Pete Saunders:
Also at Ferrybridge, pairs of Shoveler have dropped in twice just recently; given it's a peculiar time of year for them to be moving about it's tempting to wonder if it's the same pair on each occasion even though we did see a lone drake passing the Bill last week - perhaps there's just something odd going on with Shovelers right now? © Pete Saunders:
The Kittiwakes at the Bill continue to be a popular attraction - some of last year's youngsters are now beginning to look pretty threadbare © Roy Norris:
Lulworth Skippers have been on the wing for a few days now although they're not yet particularly numerous © Roy Norris female (top) and Eleanor Page male (bottom):
