(With apologies for the delay due to, and appreciation for donations for, Champions Of The Flyway 2017). A week of welcome spring arrivals, with the first Wheatear on Carr Naze on 28th (with at least a further four there today), Sand Martins on several recent days (with a max of seven through at the Gap yesterday), and Swallows yesterday (Country Park and the Gap) and today (Carr Naze and the Gap).
Three Wheatears on Carr Naze this evening (Mark Pearson)
On a relatively quiet sea a Bonxie went south on 23rd, a Snow Bunting north on 25th, Sandwich Terns south on 26th, 27th and today and two Velvet Scoters south on 27th (JS), while a Scandinavian Rock Pipit was on Carr Naze this afternoon (MJP). Visible migration has been relatively muted due to high pressure, but highlights at the Gap have included 205 Meadow Pipits north and 123 Chaffinch and 41 Siskin south yesterday, 155 Pink-feet and a Little Ringed Plover north (the year’s first) and 240 Linnets, 65 Goldfinches and two Corn Buntings south today (KC). The Black Redstart continues in the Carr Naze / Bay Corner area, and a White Wagtail was at East Lea (MM).
Scandinavian Rock Pipit, Carr Naze this afternoon (Mark Pearson)