A change for the better

Now deeply into April and finally the change in conditions came, an early start at Long Nab on the 19^th began with Common Sandpiper on the rocks off Crook Ness followed by a Great Skua north at sea.
Vis-mig wasn’t as good as I though it maybe – with only a trickle of Finches, a few Carrion Crow and a Wheatear high south.

It was slow enough that after an hour I opted for a walk around the site, migrants were thin on the ground but a couple of Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Corn Bunting were the highlights.

Corn Bunting at Long Nab, a good record, and my 5th on PWC following four near Scalby Lodge Pond a few months ago.

Returning to the ‘obs’ for a hot beverage proved a good move, scanning out the back soon produced a male Ring Ouzel flying north (having presumably been in Crook Ness) while a little more distant a male Marsh Harrier also flew north at 09.13hrs – only 15 minutes later.

Walking south migrants were few and far between – however a Tree Pipit at Cromer Point was most welcome. Passage continued, and may have even picked up a notch, during my walk back, leaving me totals of single Sparrowhawk and Magpie, 29 Carrion Crow (still no Hoodie!!) and five Swallow north as well as two Flava, 151 Linnet and 10 Goldfinch south.

Wheatear at Long Nab.

Wheatear at Long Nab.

A slight deviation away from patch resulted in seeing close to bugger all at Scarborough Mere, although a few young birds were around including these rather cute Greylag goslings, at least they are cute when compared to the ugly monstrosity they will all soon develop into!