A strong easterly wind blew today all the way from Continental Europe, as a result, I expected those who commit to their birding on the East Coast of the UK to be upturning many oddities in such interesting conditions. Unfortunately, this far west, the only real effect was that for the first time in some months, it was a helicopter day for the arriving/departing guests on the island.
It was census today for me, with a small number of Firecrests and Goldcrests squeaking in the bushes, occasionally one of the former appearing like a bright shining beacon in the leaves. Interestingly, an Oystercatcher flock has been building up on Miller's Cake over the past couple of days and today 20+ birds were loafing on the rock. Over the Airfield, two Golden Plovers were calling loudly, before seemingly finding a landing spot. A single Grey Wagtail flew over, the flight call being an almost daily occurrence at the moment.
A few more descriptions were needing sorting in the office in the afternoon, but with a few birders on the island at the moment there were a few things uncovered including a Snipe in Barton Field, singles of Pied and Spotted Flycatcher at Quarter Wall Copse and the highlight of the day, a juvenile Hobby worrying the small collection of Swallows over the Castle and Millcombe. The Sparrowhawk also made an appearance.
Snipe in Barton Field by J. Hair