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Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 Apr 2024

There was definitely the feeling this past week that spring was beginning to gain some momentum, with quality waders suddenly appearing, more decent herons on the move, and passerines continuing to arrive… and, in one case, apparently depart. There’s ample time yet for the floodgates to fully open, but there was plenty to occupy us in recent days.

 

 

Hampshire birders enjoyed a strong start to the spring this week with the discovery of the county’s sixth ever Marsh Sandpiper, an adult bird at Normandy Marsh on 19th-22nd.

The sixth ever, but potentially something of an unblocker, as the last two birds were one-day affairs, at Pennington Marsh on 10th June 2018, and Farlington Marshes on 28th July 2006; and, before that, there’d been nothing since a longer-staying individual at Pennington on 5th-11th July 1983.

This was also the county’s first spring record so, all in all, a thoroughly welcome bird and a deservedly popular individual this week for birders from Hampshire and, indeed, further afield.

 

An adult Marsh Sandpiper is, of course, a lovely thing, but a female Wilson’s Phalarope is another kettle of waders entirely. Co.Donegal had, hitherto, only one prior record of the species to its credit, this being a first-winter bird at Inch Lake on 1st-2nd December 2009 – but this week significantly upped its game with a female found at Falcarragh on 16th-17th and again on 19th.

 

Both of the preceding headliners were destined to be locally popular and were, to varying extents, twitchable. The same could not, however, really be said about the past week’s small arrival of Little Bitterns… though, to be fair, given that the first two of them were in private gardens, there was certainly some cachet attached to both as stellar garden ticks…

First out of the starting blocks was an Irish bird, found in a Waterville (Co.Kerry) garden on 16th.

Hot on this bird’s heels, another garden bird was found the following day, a male seen briefly on 17th in a garden on The Lizard (Cornwall).

Were this not enough, a third and final individual, a female, was found in Cheshire & Wirral at Woolston Eyes NR, in an area without public access on 19th.

With any luck our next bird this spring – and surely there’ll be another – will be somewhere readily accessible…

 

We’d make far more of the female Little Crake found in the morning of 22nd at Papercourt Water Meadows (Surrey), had she only gone on to be seen further after the initial reports of her discovery. Alas, she’d blended back into the background of the site, and wasn’t seen thereafter during the day that followed.

With a smidgen over 100 accepted British records, and barely annual, Little Crake remains a quality bird anywhere on these shores. Never more so than in Surrey, where there’s been but one prior record, and that way back in 1860, shot at some point that year in Bramley. It doesn’t need saying that another bird, a twitchable one, would be highly welcome.

 

Is that it? Has the Myrtle Warbler finally called it a day at Kilwinning (Ayrshire)? After a stay that’s extended almost two full months, and has included moments of outstanding, confiding views for visitors to his favoured garden, we can hardly complain in the wake of his last being seen there this week on 17th.

 

White-billed Divers again dominated the seabird news this week, with boat trips between Portsoy and Macduff (Aberdeenshire) on 20th and 21st proving particularly fruitful, with at least seven birds seen; three were seen from Portsoy on 22nd. Moray hosted single birds off Cullen on 17th and Roseisle on 20th-22nd, with two off Cullen on 21st and one on 22nd, and one noted on 21st from Portnockie; while two were seen northeast of Rousay (Orkney) on 18th; two off Lewis (Western Isles) on 21st; and one was again seen from Kirkabister (Shetland) on 21st.

A Pomarine Skua was noted between Mull and the Trishnish Isles (Argyll & Bute) on 18th.

Lastly, a Leach’s Petrel was seen from Rhos Point (Conwy) on 16th.

 

Purple Herons continued to dominate the long-legged beastie news this week, not least of all in Scilly, where one was seen daily around St Mary’s on 16th-22nd, while a bird was noted on Tresco on 17th and 20th, and another record came from Bryher on 18th. In Cornwall, one was found at Cot Valley on 18th; a bird settled in West Sussex at Pagham Harbour on 18th-22nd; and in Ireland, one was settled at Tacumshin (Co.Wexford) on 16th-22nd. Another was reported coming inland at Skerries (Co.Dublin) on 21st; on 22nd, birds were found at Woodhorn (Northumberland), and Walberswick (Suffolk).

Which leaves Wales, which was enjoying quite the week for the Purple Heron – starting in Powys, sightings came on 16th from Corys Dyfi NR and Llangorse Lake, the latter site providing another sighting on 20th; on 19th-22nd a bird was seen near Llyn Coron (Anglesey); and on 20th, another sighting came from Teifi Marshes NR (Ceredigion).

Both of the recent pair of Night Herons remained on Lundy (Devon) on 16th, one of them still present on the island on 17th-21st. Another was found near Enniscorthy (Co.Wexford) on 19th; and a probable over New Lambton (Co.Durham) on 20th.

Glossy Ibis numbers held steady, with 16 birds reported from across Britain and Ireland, the sole Irish representatives being the singleton again at Tacumshin (Co.Wexford) on 20th-22nd, and one at Tallaght (Co.Dublin) on 21st. The best of the British birds were the quartet still present in Somerset at Ham Wall RSPB on 16th-18th, at least three of which remained there until 21st.

The Corncrake continued to sing on Bardsey (Gwynedd) on 20th.

 

As for honkers and quackers, Red-breasted Geese continued to entertain for yet another week. One stayed settled in Lincolnshire at Frampton Marsh RSPB on 16th-22nd; another was again seen in Lancashire & North Merseyside at Marshside RSPB on 18th; and in Norfolk one remained present at Burnham Overy Staithe on 17th-22nd.

Black Brant remained settled for now at Kilnsea (East Yorkshire) on 16th-22nd, and in Ireland at Lurgangreen (Co.Louth) on 16th-19th. Also in Ireland, two possible Grey-bellied Brant were seen at Killough (Co.Down) on 19th.

Just the two representatives this week of The Goose Formerly Known As Canada, these being a probable interior Todd’s Canada Goose reported from Hesketh Out Marsh RSPB (Lancashire & North Merseyside) on 16th; and a Cackling Goose on North Uist (Western Isles) on 22nd.

Moving on to the ducks, the drake Black Duck was again seen at Cross Lough (Co.Mayo) on 18th.

The week proved to be a good one for Green-winged Teal, with some 20 birds in all logged across Britain and Ireland.

In Kent, the drake Ferruginous Duck remained comfortably ensconced on Whetsed GPs on 16th-21st, while another recent drake was still sitting tight on Stanford Reservoir (Northamptonshire) on 16th, and a female was seen at Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambridgeshire) on 21st.

Some 20 Ring-necked Duck were seen across the region this week, with Lisvane Reservoir (Glamorgan) the only site in recent days to sport multiple birds – two remained there on 16th-21st.

Lesser Scaup certainly weren’t done with us yet, as 10 birds were noted during the week. Two sites held two birds apiece – at Hodbarrow RSPB (Cumbria) on 17th still; and in Suffolk at Shelley on Gifford’s Flash on 16th-19th still. Single birds remained at Cardiff Bay (Glamorgan) on 16th-19th; on South Uist (Western Isles) on 16th; and at Knockaderry Reservoir (Co.Waterford) on 20th still. Additional birds were found at Tacumshin (Co.Wexford) on 18th-21st, and The Naze (Essex) on 17th. Finally, one remained on Loch Leven (Perth & Kinross) until 22nd.

A first-winter drake Surf Scoter was a highlight for Suffolk birders this week as it lingered on the sea off Walberswick on 16th-21st; another was seen from Fisherrow (Lothian) on 18th; and a final bird on 22nd from Burghead (Moray).

 

Starting the waders again this week in Ireland, a first-summer American Golden Plover was present at Tacumshin (Co.Wexford) on 18th-20th. Another was found in Ireland on 21st at Tallaght (Co.Dublin).

In Lincolnshire the recent female Black-winged Stilt remained at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincolnshire) on 16th-22nd.

Passage waders were on the move, as evinced by a couple of Dotterel, seen respectively at Black Down (Somerset) and North Uist (Western Isles) on 16th; and the first of the spring’s Temminck’s Stints, found at Brading Marshes RSPB (Isle of Wight) on 17th, and Walton Hall Marshes (Essex) on 18th, where two birds were seen.

A Kentish Plover, thought probably to be a male bird, was seen at Stert Island (Somerset) on 22nd.

In Norfolk sightings of Long-billed Dowitcher continued to come from Cley NWT on 16th-19th and again on 21st-22nd, and Stiffkey Fen on 20th; the Cuckmere Haven (East Sussex) individual was still to be seen there on 17th-18th; and one remained at Tacumshin (Co.Wexford) on 18th.

The usual recent Lesser Yellowlegs were still to be seen at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincolnshire) on 16th-22nd, and in Co.Louth at Lurgangreen on 19th and 21st, and Dundalk Docks on 20th.

 

Starting the gulls again this week with Bonaparte’s Gull, the recent adults remained at Llanelli (Carmarthenshire) on 16th-19th and again on 21st, and in Lincolnshire at Frampton Marsh RSPB on 16th. An additional adult was found at Ballyconneely (Co.Galway) on 17th; and a first-winter bird lingered in Dorset at Wareham Common on 17th-22nd.

A couple of adult Ring-billed Gull were seen again this week – one at Blennerville (Co.Kerry) still on 17th; and another in Perth & Kinross on Loch Turret on 16th, 20th, and again on 22nd. A second-summer bird was seen briefly in North Yorkshire at Scorton Quarry on 21st.

Glaucous Gulls continued to dwindle – one remained on Lewis (Western Isles) on 16th-20th; another was still to be found in Cumbria at Workington on 21st; and further birds were noted at Monaseed (Co.Wexford) on 16th, and Skye (Highland & Caithness) on 18th.

Iceland Gull numbers also slid, with barely double figures noted in recent days. Just two Kumlien’s Gull were reported this week, these being the juvenile again seen in Cornwall at Hayle Estuary on 19th, and the adult still at Helmsdale (Highland & Caithness) on 21st.

A probable Gull-billed Tern was seen off Sker Point (Glamorgan) on 21st.

Finally, in Dorset the second-winter Forster’s Tern continued to lob around Poole Harbour this week, being seen at Arne RSPB and Brownsea Island NT still on 16th-18th, with some additional wandering to Holes Bay and Lytchett Fields RSPB on 17th for good measure.

 

Somewhat quieter times than of late for scarce and rare raptors, starting with just the one report of a Pallid Harrier this week, a possible male seen in Orkney near Twatt on 17th.

A female Montagu’s Harrier graced Tresco (Scilly) on 21st, and St Mary’s on 22nd; the juvenile was again reported from Knockadoon Head (Co.Cork) on 21st.

This was preceded by an early male Red-footed Falcon, also found on St Mary’s (Scilly), on 21st.

A Black Kite was seen in Ireland at Lisselan (Co.Waterford) on 16th, with another reported on 18th at Sheepcote Valley (East Sussex), and one reported at Ringstead (Dorset) on 21st.

Finally, we have an unconfirmed report of a Rough-legged Buzzard on 17th at Muthill (Perth & Kinross).

 

We began last week’s passerines with swifts, and we do so again this week – though, had the first bird on the agenda only been confirmed, it would have soared readily into our headlines – this being the possible Little Swift seen at Freiston Shore RSPB (Lincolnshire) on 18th.

Nonetheless, there were more substantial birds on offer this week - Alpine Swift seen at Kenfig NNR (Glamorgan) on 19th, and Westleton Heath (Suffolk) on 20th.

Five Hoopoe marked a retreat on events of the preceding fortnight – these being birds noted on Isle of May (Fife) on 16th still; on St Martin’s (Scilly) on 16th-17th; on Brow Head (Co.Cork) on 21st; and, on 22nd, at Llawhaden Bridge (Pembrokeshire), and Trencrom Hill (Cornwall).

Two Wryneck hinted at things to come, being seen at Land’s End (Cornwall) on 18th, and Holme Dunes NWT (Norfolk) on 20th.

Similarly, the female Red-backed Shrike at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) is hopefully the first of many in the weeks ahead.

Some half a dozen Woodchat Shrike were seen in recent days. One lingered on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 17th-21st; and another at Hook Head (Co.Wexford) on 17th-21st. Cornish birds were seen at Porthoustock on 17th-18th, near Sennen on 20th-22nd, at Trevescan on 21st, and at Kenidjack Valley on 21st, with a further probable at Rame Head on 18th; one was found on Lundy (Devon) on 18th; another in Dorset at Abbotsbury on 17th; and on 21st, a bird on Tresco (Scilly).

Some 15 Golden Oriole were recorded over the course of the week, with some sites holding lingering birds. Two remained at Whiteford NNR (Glamorgan) on 16th, while St Mary’s (Scilly) held at least two birds on 17th-22nd.

Teasing reports of Red-rumped Swallow failed, this week, to materialise into anything more substantial – one was reported from Amble Marshes NR (Cornwall) on 16th; a probable was reported on 17th from Booths Mere (Cheshire & Wirral); and a possible at Sherington (Buckinghamshire) on 18th.

Equally ephemeral, a possible Penduline Tit was reported from Oare Marshes KWT (Kent) on 18th.

More substantially, a Savi’s Warbler was in full reeling song at North Cave Wetlands YWT (East Yorkshire) on 19th-22nd.

The male Western Subalpine Warbler remained on Portland (Dorset) on 16th-17th, with a Subalpine Warbler sp seen briefly in the Observatory garden on 18th. In Co.Wexford, the recent male was reported as heard again on Hook Head on 20th.

A Bluethroat was reported from Possil Marsh (Clyde) on 21st.

A dozen or so Blue-headed Wagtail were noted this past week, with a couple of sites notching up multiple birds – in Suffolk, two were seen at Hollesley Marshes RSPB and two at Bawdsey on 19th.

A mobile Richard’s Pipit was found on Bryher (Scilly) on 21st-22nd.

An Arctic Redpoll was found on Unst (Shetland) on 17th.

Southern counties scored Serin on St Mary’s (Scilly) on 17th, at Kenidjack (Cornwall) on 16th, East Soar (Devon) on 18th, Marden (Kent) on 18th, and South Foreland (Kent) on 21st; while a more northerly bird was found at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincolnshire) on 16th.

 

Starting the overseas news in Germany, the recent Sociable Lapwing remained at Athensleben on 16th.

A Lesser Moorhen was seen on Corsica on 19th.

Greece meanwhile scored an African Desert Warbler at Cape Matapan on 16th.

A Yellow-billed Egret remained in Spain at Embalse de Alcollarin on 22nd.

Moving further afield, in Mauritania the Abyssinian Roller and four Red-billed Firefinch remained at Nouadhibou on 16th.

In Cape Verde, a Black-capped Petrel was seen at Santa Antao on 22nd.

And finally, out on the Azores, a Green Heron was present on Pico on 18th.

 

Flushed with recent predictive success of not only Little Bittern but also Slate-coloured Junco, what can we extract from the murky depths of the Rare Bird Alert crystal ball for the coming week, the last of April?

There’s all sorts of enticing past rarity precedent to go at – a spring Taiga Flycatcher at Flamborough (East Yorkshire) on 26th-29th April 2003; the Red-winged Blackbird that dropped into North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 29th April – 14th May 2017; the Eastern Phoebe on Lundy (Devon) on 24th-25th April 1987; the Spectacled Warbler at Landguard (Suffolk) on 26th April – 2nd May 1997; and the Moussier’s Redstart on Dinas Head (Pembrokeshire) on 24th April 1988.

Something of that calibre would do very nicely, thank you. Realistically though, we all know that’s probably not going to happen. Eight accepted records of Pied-billed Grebe for the coming week however suggest that’s a decent punt, and in the westerly wake of autumn 2023, a not unrealistic one at all.

 

Jon Dunn

Many thanks to all this week's contributors for your photos and videos

 

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