16th - 19th March

Highlights from the 16th include one Mistle Thrush remaining near Holland House, as well as six Snow Bunting at the North end and our first Chiffchaff of the year being found on the Sangar track. The Long-billed Dowitcher was still present on Ancum despite many of the Godwits having moved on.

On the 17th the Long-billed Dowitcher remained, but otherwise the day was quiet with just one Snow Bunting being seen around the coast at the obs along with a Peregrine that cruised over.

The 18th was the first calm day in a while and it suddenly began to really feel like spring. There were more Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails turning up throughout the day, with 16 and 9 being recorded respectively. Elsewhere there was one Chaffinch and one Goldcrest at the obs, three Woodcock (two at the obs and one on the Links), five Woodpigeon in Holland garden, and two Hen Harrier drifting about the island. The first Goldfinch of the year was seen briefly in Ancum Willows and the Long-billed Dowitcher remained on Ancum. The afternoon saw what was the beginning of a decent fall of thrushes, with 90 Blackbird being seen across the north end and the obs, and 90 Redwing just around Holland. However, the extent of the fall wasn't realised fully until the next day.

The 19th saw some very large spring thrush numbers posted, with rough island counts of Fieldfare and Redwing totalling 420 and 247 respectively. The Goldcrest and Chaffinch were both seen again at the obs, as well as three Woodcock (two at the obs, one in Holland). 

Woodcock on the Links - MEH