This was my first Wheatear of 2019. It was by the Geo-needle shortly after first light. Ironically, in a year when migrants have been turning up unusually early, I believe this is my latest 'first Wheatear' for many years!
A really good morning on Orcombe this morning with the highlight being a Serin which flew west over the top of Gore Lane at 0714. Other notable sightings included 5+ Wheatear, at least 13 Chiffchaff, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15+ Meadow Pipit, 1+ Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 1 or 2 Siskin, 2 or 3 Bullfinch, 2 Linnet, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4+ 'alba' Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 3+ Goldfinch and 1+ Chaffinch over. Great to be birding with Derek again.
Nearby, in Maer Valley, another 4+ Chiffchaff, 1 Jay and a male Blackcap.
Some news from earlier in the week - on 19/3 a female Cirl Bunting on Orcombe Point and off Mudbank - 6 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye (male + female), 12 Teal, 6 Red-breasted Merganser and the three Eider.
On the 21st - Orcombe Point - 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose with 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Greenshank and 1 Eider off Mudbank.
Three male Wheatears (all shown above) have spent the day on the dung heap.
This Red-legged Partridge was a surprise sighting on 19/3. It was in the Straight Point military firing range complex which ironically is probably a lot safer than being on whichever farm it was released from!
Pale and Dark-bellied Brent Geese - Orcombe Point - 21/3.
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