Wanting Wheatears

I'm yet to see my first Sub-Saharan migrant of the spring, and have missed the first couple of Wheatears of the year. 

Kev had the first one of 2025 on Beer Head on 6th, with another just north of Seaton Marshes on 8th.  I don't think anyone has seen a Sand Martin yet, however no doubt some have passed through as they're pretty widespread now.  A Little Ringed Plover or two is surely only a matter of days away.  Looking at the forecast I wouldn't at all be surprised if we see a bit of reverse migration this coming week, with a cold weather front sweeping in from the north from tomorrow.  This can sometimes be fairly devastating for these early migrants but hopefully it won't last too long.

A cool migrant I did come across was whilst peeing the dog at 10:30pm a couple of nights ago in the drizzle, with an Oystercatcher calling from the darkness above.  It seemed to be flying around a bit too so presume the mizzle was disorientating it.  A nice garden tick.

Following the previous weeks five Red Kites, I had one flew low north east over Seaton on Friday.  Managed a couple of photos before it dropped below the rooftops...

Love that shape

Gulls in hot pursuit!

 

Am stumbling upon more and more singing Chiffchaffs now which are always nice. And am seeing Black Redstarts a bit more frequently too, but it is hard to know whether they are wintering birds or new spring migrants.

Check back soon, we are nearly there!!