6th August

A day of quality over quantity, despite the ringing totals reaching a meagre 13 there was a noticeable movement of birds over head. The first Garden Warbler of the autumn was trapped in the crown estate field and 2 fly-over Tree Pipits were an encouraging sign of things to come. Other totals included: 7 Pied Flycatchers, 23 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Wheatears, a Lapwing and a Whimbrel in the top fields and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. The passage of Swifts once again increased with 110 birds heading out to sea, 30 Swallows were also seen departing accompanied by 5 Sand Martins. The sea continued to produce a few waders on top of the regulars: 3 Sandwich Terns, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, 7 Mediterranean Gulls, 8 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone and 3 Sanderlings. A Greenshank past Blacknor was also of note.

Ferrybridge was comparatively quiet compared to recent wader totals with: 7 Sanderling, 15 Turnstone, 3 Curlew, 1 Sandwich Tern and 2 Wheatears.

The moths returned to form with only our regulars putting on any kind of performance, 35 Silver Y, 8 Dark Sword Grass and 77 Diamond-back Moths.

It doesn't feel like Portland when the Willow Warblers have gone, its good to have them feeding up close and personal again before they depart for Africa ©Erin Taylor: