13th April

Still a bit blustery today but a far nicer, sunny day for birding than the last two. Migrant activity was again greatest in the relative shelter of the centre of the island where the year's first Whinchat, singles of Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart, the long-staying Hoopoe and a fair spread of commoner fare were encountered but there, as elsewhere, variety was otherwise still quite limited, with a Short-eared Owl at the Bill and 2 Swifts over Ferrybridge the best from points further south and north. Sea passage was almost non-existent.

The first Holly Blue of the year was on the wing at the Bill.

The Ring Ouzel was a minor highlight at Sweethill © Debby Saunders (settled) and Pete Saunders (flight)...



...but everywhere it was hard to get amongst interest beyond the usual early April quartet of Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Wheatear © Martin Cade: