16th April

Another blustery day, with a strong south-easterly wind in the morning switching to the south-west by the afternoon and with it some rain. More new birds appeared, the highlight of which was our earliest ever Dotterel (by almost 2 weeks!!) in the fields between Gretchen and Holland House. Other 'firsts' for the year were a Blackcap near Westness, and a Brambling and Tree Pipit-both at the Observatory. Other migrants of note were 2 Swallows, a White Wagtail, 16 Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel, 5 Goldcrests, 2 new Chiffchaffs, a Siskin and a flock of 38 Snow Buntings on the Links. The Golden Plover flock increased slightly once again to 446 and there are now 3 Woodpigeons present.