Spring has Sprung!

The first Northern Wheatear is the bird that for many, heralds the official arrival of Spring.. and this morning a fine female Wheatear on the beach was a welcome sight! However a surprise party of 5 Tufted Duck sitting on the sea and a total of three Red-legged Partridges on the beach (a Patch first!) were also welcome patch year ticks. As the sun struggled to show though a calm overcast morning, it was clear that migrants were on the move. At least 5 Firecrests were seen along the beach along with 2 smart male Stonechats and a female Black Redstart and three Chiffchaffs.

On the rifle range a male Peregrine sat atop the cliff, whilst a Raven perched nearby and a Little Egret foraged along the rocks. A flock of 70 Siskin headed out to sea and 17 Alba Wagtails headed north with at least 2 White Wagtails landing on the beach for a short while. Five Rock Pipits gave great views. Having set off at 6.30am, it was a very enjoyable 3 hour walk and with 52 species seen, including 4 year ticks, it was nice to reach 85 patch species for the year.