Grounded
The most unlikely migrants were two separate Coal Tit (both trapped and ringed). The first migrant Blackcap for the year was followed by another male attending the bird table. Surely the latter was not a newly arrived insect-orientated migrant from the south? Goldcrest were numerous first thing but soon dispersed, unlike yesterday when smaller numbers were passing through steadily all morning. Perhaps 40-50 for the core area. At least 6 Chiffchaff rapidly passed through. Just 5 Wheatear located. Remaining migrants included at least two Song Thrush and a Reed Bunting
Vis Mig
Meadow Pipit were passing through at a similar rate to yestreday early in the morning but again, very high. 220 north 0800-0900/0915-1015. Later 21 in 15 minutes as the passage rapidly tailed off with no obvious movement in the afternoon. Other vis during the 2 hour block comprised: 20 alba wagtail, 5 Chaffinch (rare on the vis in spring), 2 Goldfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 4 'registrations' of Linnet, but none seen!, similar problem with Siskin with 8 seen and one probable 'flock', one Redpoll spp (see yesterdays comment), 4 Skylark.
27 Carrion Crow were temporarily grounded on Ocean Edge foreshore with at least 10 of these observed vis mig arrivals from the south. They did not stay long but the direction of departure not seen.
Ringing
The following were ringed: 18 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Coal Tit, single Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Song Thrush (prob migrant), Magpie (!), Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird (local).
Miscellaneous
Two Ravens again. Two Black-tailed Godwit briefly on Ocean Edge foreshore. 1st W Little Gull on the sea off Ocean Edge. 112 Shelduck Red Nab.
Today's moth- the appropriately named March moth
Elsewhere
3 Little Ringed Plover Aldcliffe.
3 Little Ringed Plover Aldcliffe.
