28th August

A bit of action on all fronts today, with a gradual easing in the strength of the wind being helpful all round. Yellow Wagtail topped the common migrant totals, with 190 through south over the Bill and a scatter of lower numbers settled with livestock; Wheatear and Willow Warbler both got to over 60 on the ground there, with 3 Pied Flycatchers, a White Wagtail and a Firecrest amongst the single figure totals that provided some variety; the first Merlin of the season was also overhead at Ferrybridge. The wader situation was largely unchanged, with 5 Sanderling and a Common Sandpiper the best of the Ferrybridge selection and a Whimbrel still lingering at the Bill. Shearwaters dominated the sea totals, with 75 Manx and 58 Balearics through at the Bill, where 94 Kittiwakes, 13 Common Scoter, 3 Little Egrets and 2 Arctic Skuas also passed by.

The more or less on cue first Merlin of the autumn was causing havoc at Ferrybridge © Pete Saunders:



Some of the Sandwich Terns that are still passing through at Ferrybridge © Pete Saunders: