Accommodation update: we've been receiving a rash of calls and messages in recent days from folk requesting accommodation over Easter so it might be timely to give an update: as it stands at the moment we're already completely full for every weekend between now and 14th/15th June; additionally, even every mid-week night between Fri 19th April and Wed 15th May is already full. There are still a few mid-week nights during early April and late May with a room or two available but the whole spring migration period is extremely busy. This is fairly typical spring occupancy here so in future prospective visitors would be well advised not to leave things to the last minute!
A Hoopoe looked to have been in the offing for most of last week so for one to show up today at Penn's Weare was very welcome albeit not a huge surprise. It certainly cornered the migrant market today, with precious little uncovered beyond a Merlin at Sweethill and a handful of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers here and there; the lingering Firecrest was also still at the Obs. The brisk onshore breeze looked to offer some promise for the sea but it seemed a huge wodge of stationary rain not far to the west had other ideas and blocked off all but some early movement at the Bill: 324 Gannets, 85 Kittiwakes, 20 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Divers, 7 Sandwich Terns, 3 Manx Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua passed through in quick time before passage ground to a halt.
The Hoopoe showed extremely well © Martin Adlam Port and Wey:
