More Arrivals

Singing Blackcap in NHC!

Heavy rain yesterday afternoon, strong winds and even more rain overnight gave way to another glorious morning. The favourable conditions are certainly pushing more of our late summer migrants further north.

A check of the marina before heading off to Brandon Marsh this morning revealed of note: (7) Skylark, (2) Yellowhammer, (2) Chiffchaff, a single Willow Warbler and a noisy Raven heading towards Napton Hill.

I took my normal track around Brandon accompanied by Derek Bennett and its safe to say now that Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sand Martin and Swallows are now well established. New Hare Covert is always worth a little further scrutiny at any time of year and here we found (2) singing♂ Goldcrest and my first (2) singing♂ Blackcaps of the year. (2) Oystercatcher were feeding on the golf course as we passed by and a small amount of Sand Martin and Swallows were feeding over Newlands Reedbed.

Singing♂ Goldcrest

There are still Lesser Redpolls ground feeding along the Wright Hide path and before we made it to Big Hide both Derek and I paused for a while to watch a pair of Treecreepers nest building, a real treat!

The usual Sunday boys were in Big Hide and it wasn't long before I was on to my first Common Sandpiper of the year, thanks to the chaps. Also of note: (1) Kingfisher, (2) Common Buzzard, (2) Water Rail, (7) Snipe, (2) Redshank, (2) Oystercatcher and (2) Little-ringed Plover.

Carlton Hide had at least (3) Chiffchaff in the surrounding Hawthorn, plus (2) Cetti's Warbler calling and a walk to the screen area had Little-ringed Plover, plus another first for the year with a Brimstone Butterfly.

Record Shot of Today's Yellow Wagtail

The rest of the visit was spent in anticipation in Big Hide but not before an elusive Green Sandpiper was finally recorded from Teal Hide, having given us the run around for a short while.

The final four notables of the day were a quartet of Wagtails: Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail (well done to the gent in the hide who plucked that one out) and Grey Wagtail, when one flew over Goose Pool on the way back to the centre.

Finally, back at the marina one of the loudest Mistle Thrushes I think I've ever heard has been singing away for most of the afternoon!