7th March

Very migrant-unfriendly conditions today, with a sharp frost following the crystal clear night and fair weather for the bulk of the day. Four Chiffchaffs were about all that could be mustered by way of conventional fare at the Bill where the two surprises came in the form of singles of Water Rail and Moorhen; 6 Long-tailed Tits there were presumably local strays, with the overwintering Merlin and Black Redstart also both putting in appearances. Offshore, the 2 Eider were still on station and 17 Common Scoter and 10 Red-throated Divers passed by. Elsewhere, a total of 12 Ravens in two flocks heading north over Blacknor seemed unlikely to be local birds.

This is the season and the conditions for Long-tailed Tits to get moving around the island; this one was at Southwell yesterday, but two flocks have got right out as far as the Obs in recent days © Debby Saunders: