11th March

Today's little flurry of migrants included an overdue first few Wheatears of the spring, including 10 at the Bill and 5 at Ferrybridge, but it was still far from busy. The Bill area also came up with 5 Black Redstarts, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest, as well as 16 Common Scoter, 11 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver through on the sea. Other reports included the Hume's Warbler still at Thumb Lane, where 2 Redwings and a Chiffchaff were also present.

A small arrival of immigrant lepidoptera included 2 Painted Lady butterflies at the Bill and single Dark Sword Grass in moth-traps at the Obs at the Grove.

The morning at least was fog-free which allowed for better looks at whatever had dropped in, including the first Wheatear © Keith Pritchard:


...and one of a couple more Chiffchaff © Debby Saunders:


As usual at this season the mix of local and migrant Rock Pipits include plenty that defy straightforward subspecific placement © David Rashley: