A Goldcrest in our garden and an overflying alba Wagtail signalled a more promising day and a quick look around Norwick produced 12 Wood Pigeons, the White Wagtail, a Chiffchaff, another Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, a Redpoll, a Chaffinch and my first Hawfinch of the year. I was therefore reluctant to leave, but the 1st April marks the start of the bird breeding season and I had an induction booked at a construction site in respect of a new survey contract. Induction successfully completed, I commenced my first walkover. Around halfway around the site, along a scarcely-vegetated burn, I found my first sub-Saharan migrant of the year - a Great Reed Warbler!! Definitely a case of just what you least expect, just when you least expect it! The whole experience was only marred by it having chosen a place that has no public access, ensuring that I would remain the sole observer.
Male Hawfinch at Norwick
Great Reed Warbler
As far as I can see it's the second-earliest British record. My first rarity find of the year and only the second Great Reed Warbler that I've found since living on Shetland.
