21st April

A perfect calm and sunny day delivered a further smattering of common migrants, the highlights of which were the first Yellow Wagtail and Greenshank of the year. A further arrival of Wheatears brought their total to 253 birds, while small groups of hirundines totalled at least 10 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows. Corvids were also on the move, with 14 Hooded Crows (in addition to the resident birds), 4 Carrion Crows, 4 Rooks and 2 Ravens passing through. Counts of other passerines came to 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, a Chaffinch, 22 Lapland Buntings and the 4 Bramblings from the previous day. Other sightings included at least 3 Sparrowhawks, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Whimbrels, a Water Rail and 15 high, northbound Curlews.