The Early Bird Catches.....

Despite unsettled weather and the return of the cold winds at the end of this week, there has been a flurry of migrant activity! This morning saw the arrival of the year's first Willow Warbler and House Martin at last! Also 15 Barn Swallows powered in off the sea and headed inland. Two Sparrowhawks drifted north and a nice surprise was a smart Tree Pipit which sat briefly atop a small tree in the backfields before continuing its journey north.

Surprisingly we found a record 5 Little Egrets in the back fields. Offshore a few Gannets headed north at 6.20am and the daily sightings of 3-7 Sandwich Terns continues. In the bushes at least 15 Blackcaps were in full song, as were 12 plus Chiffchaffs. It was a welcome trickle of migrants ..but we await the torrent!

Yesterday sea-watching added 4 Mute Swans moving south, 12 Eurasian Teal, two Tufted Ducks and our first 4 Barn Swallows of the year.