Uptick

The wind died down today and with it came a noticeable uptick in visible migration. I started the day off at the Bill with the gang and highlights included 5 Little Gull, over 100 Common Scoters, a light Sandwich Tern movement, a Redstart in-off (I missed it), a good passage of Meadow Pipits (261 in about 3 hours), Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtails, 8 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin and a few Willow/Chiffs. Ebird list HERE

After the Bill I had a look round Church Norton with Andrew, a few more migrants included an increase in Blackcaps, Swallow and Sand Martin and a Red Kite and Marsh Harrier. The wintering Whimbrel was also present. 

In the evening I decided to go back to see the Least Sandpiper so did a 3 hour walk. 65 species of 759 individuals HERE. Highlights included great views of the Least on the Breach, finally (finally!) saw the Short-eared Owl (a Peninsula tick) and also had a Wheatear, a Whimbrel and a few Willow/Chiffs.

First-winter Least Sandpiper (above and below). An article on this bird from Birdguides HERE

Short-eared Owl- always wanted to get that shot

Female Wheatear

Little Gulls past the Bill

White Wagtail

Chiffchaff

Second-calender year Marsh Harrier

Roe Deer at Medmerry- certainly a pretty numerous mammal round here. There's up to seven outside our house most days in the fields and seen several groups at Medmerry, Pagham and a few places in between from the car too.