Well, we've moved house (not far) and after two weeks solid work, I'm having a day out. In the new garden, the feeders have been up for ten days and so far, I've only seen a Collared Dove and a Dunnock - looking a bit grim! Previous homes have always had even a small area of 'untouched' land and trees to the rear, which has always provided an interesting garden list. Now I'm in what I usually describe as a 'sea of bricks and tarmac' and 'spot the tree' - so it will be interesting to see what happens. The plus point of being surrounded by other bungalows is that there is plenty of sky and this afternoon, 5 Common Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk were in the air. Although it's rather early for migrants on the East Coast, a visit to the Spurn area was made in view of an Easterly wind. I found a lovely male Northern Wheatear and I think it's my earliest ever Wheatear in Spring. The wind was cold off the sea and it was a while before Chiffchaffs became noticeable by their song. I counted eight around the area, during the day. Also warming up in the morning sun were two Long-tailed Tits huddled together in a hedgerow. At Kilnsea Wetlands, the Countryfile film crew were at work in the hide so, waiting outside, I scanned the large Brent Goose flock and located the long-staying Black Brant. Six Avocets were nearby. There were plenty of Brents to sift through! A flock of Wigeon contained this individual, which I've found a bit puzzling. The bill has an interesting pattern and I'm not sure if this is a hybrid x wigeon, or a 'still' immature male Wigeon. Great to be out again today.
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