24th August

Another day with a strong easterly wind brought another wave of new birds, although migrants caught and ringed at Holland gardens once the wind subsided in the evening were in good condition with high fat scores suggesting they were keen to move on. A second juvenile Marsh Harrier was perhaps the most notable arrival, with 3 Icterine Warblers (including a new bird at the Obs) and 2 Barred Warblers (new bird at Holland) also topping the bill. An adult male Hen Harrier was the first since the summer and 3 Wood Sandpipers remain with 5 Common Sandpipers on the coast. Totals for migrant passerines came to 27 Whinchats (the highest count for many years), 4 Redstarts, a Fieldfare, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 8 Garden Warblers, a Wood Warbler at Holland, 69 Willow Warblers and 3 Spotted Flycatchers. Butterfly numbers were also well up with 77 Painted Ladies, 28 Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell.