1st April

Time will tell whether we're being over-optimistic but the new month brought with it hints that the presumably weather-related migrant logjam might just be beginning to break. Dawn didn't bring with it any encouraging signs, with the early rounds of the Bill area coming up with a nil return on the new arrivals front (in fact the Obs garden mist-nets stayed that way all day) and only the lingering singles of Wheatear, Blackcap and Firecrest to provide interest. However, by late morning visible migrants begun to feature - particularly after a veil of cloud descended - and for the rest of the day there were reports from throughout the island of a light trickle of Swallows, Meadow Pipits and alba wagtails on the move. The sea was as uneventful as the land had been through the morning, with just 9 Manx Shearwaters and 8 Common Scoter logged at the Bill.