Possibly the coldest day since my return from the Algarve, around 6C and almost constant rain showers. Despite that, the migrants are arriving and North Cave certainly had a few this afternoon. Two Chiffchaffs were calling with the Cetti's Warbler along Dryham Lane. Further along the lane a male Blackcap showed briefly while attempting its song in the rain. It was surprising how many birds were sheltering in the bushes, particularly Dunnocks, Robins, a Song Thrush and this Long-tailed Tit. On the Reedbed Lake, Oystercatchers are back and two Avocets were looking slightly cold. I thought I had found my first Little Ringed Plovers but closer inspection showed they were Ringed Plover, with the yellow eye ring, black bill and browny legs. There are still good numbers of wildfowl with Tufted Ducks, Gadwall, Teal, the odd Shoveler and many Wigeon grazing on Dryham Ings. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls are settling on an island on the Main Lake. There were four Common Buzzards and a distant Red Kite making up the raptor count, along with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. It was good to see hirundines back in the air over the lakes, 10 Sand Martins were the most I saw together. In the maize field, the male Brambling is staying on and looking very colourful.
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