Migrants remained on the move although in the murky conditions that rolled in after dawn and persisted for several hours there was a feeling that plenty - particularly those overhead - were being missed. The totals of new arrivals on the ground at the Bill/Southwell certainly weren't to be sniffed at this early in the season and included 40 Chiffchaffs, 30 Wheatears, 15 Willow Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 2 Mallards and singles of Short-eared Owl, Black Redstart, Goldcrest and Firecrest (with another lingering Firecrest also still present). Once the murk lifted a little it was apparent that all three common hirundines were featuring amongst the more routine alba wagtails and Meadow Pipits on the move overhead; single Siskins at the Bill and Southwell were also of note. The reduced visibility restricted seawatching opportunities and 4 passing Red-throated Divers were just about all that could be managed at the Bill. Other news from the day included a good count of 56 Turnstones at Hamm Beach.
Today's new Firecrest at Sweethill © Pete Saunders:
