16th April

An abrupt overnight cessation of the cold polar winds brought a pleasant and sunny day, as well as, more importantly, a few new migrants. Corvids were on the move in the morning, with 21 migrant Hooded Crows, 5 Carrion Crows, 5 Rooks and a Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrid flying south; although several of these had a change of heart and were seen flying back north a short time later. The year-list increased by an Arctic Skua, and the year's first White Wagtail was found outside the observatory. Counts of other migrants came to 10 Wheatears, 4 Robins, 4 Chiffchaffs (only 2 of which were new), 1 Siskin, 3 Sparrowhawks and 48 travelling Curlews heading north overhead.

Hooded Crows