A reminder that the next In Focus field event at the Obs takes place between 10am and 4pm this Sunday, 17th May 2015.
Yesterday's optimism that a stir-up in the weather might do the trick proved to be thoroughly misplaced, with the stiff south-easterly and heavy rain associated with a tight depression moving across the Western Approaches dropping few rewards in the common migrant line; 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and singles of Ringed Plover, Wheatears, Whinchat, Sedge Warbler and Chaffinch at the Bill made up the tally at the Bill, whilst 50 Dunlin, 20 Sanderling, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrel and 2 Knot were at Ferrybridge. The sea made every effort to save the day, with a surprisingly decent passage developing once the morning rain cleared through: 1000 Manx Shearwaters, 3 Arctic Skuas, 2 Balearic Shearwaters and a Red-throated Diver passed through off the Bill and another 2 Arctic Skuas passed Chesil.
Singles of Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Painted Lady were at the Bill, whilst another Hummingbird Hawk-moth was at the Grove.
Bar-tailed Godwit - Ferrybridge, 14th May 2015 © Pete Saunders
