25th April

A nice day for anyone who appreciates Willow Warblers since they seemed to be everywhere you looked today: the Bill area held a good 400 and there were plenty more in every up-island spot that got attention. They certainly stole the show numbers-wise, even if the likes of Wheatear with 150 at the Bill alone were far from inconspicuous; variety on the ground was otherwise considerably more limited than in recent days, with 7 Redstarts, 6 Whinchats, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails and a Ring Ouzel the pick of the selection of the Bill. The clear sky overhead again found favour with diurnal migrants, with 2 Ospreys and a Hen Harrier through along with a steady if unspectacular passage of hirundines and finches. More largely routine sea passage included 3 Arctic Skuas through off the Bill and another passing the Bill.

Wheatear and 'bridled' Guillemot at the Bill and Shelducks at Ferrybridge this morning © Pete Saunders: