In many ways it felt ideal conditions being almost calm with just the lightest of southeasterly breezes and light rain at dawn that quickly cleared. However, unfortunately the breeze was not originating from across the North Sea so it generally proved a quieter day for migrants. That said, the number of Hawfinches in our garden grew from 3 this morning to 6 by this evening - all females. The monthly WeBS count for Burrafirth produced my first Arctic Skua of the year - a dark phase. Otherwise I covered Skaw, Lamba Ness, Norwick and a few of the sites around Baltasound. Totals of other migrants seen being the female Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlins, 3 Long-eared Owls, 4 Swallows, a Dunnock, 15 Robins, 25 Wheatears, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwings, a Blackcap, 14 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chaffinches and 22 Bramblings.
Hawfinches at Millfield
Female Merlin
