It wasn't without a lot of effort - particularly since there was seemingly so little about for the best part of the morning - but eventually today came up with an excellent little list of minor rarities: a briefly seen Hippolais warbler beyond Privet Hedge was later tracked down at Wallsend and confirmed as a Melodious Warbler (that was singing from time to time), with its presence there leading to the spotting of first a Bee-eater and shortly afterwards a Honey Buzzard - both of which passed straight through. The handful of routine migrants at the Bill totalled no more than 7 Spotted Flycatchers, 5 Wheatears, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps and a Hobby, with Ferrybridge coming up with 14 Sanderling and a Knot. The sea was still worth a look, with 3 Great Skuas and singles of Arctic Skua and Pomarine Skua through off the Bill.
