April 27th 2011

3 Common Tern’s and a first summer Little Gull greeted our arrival at the pond today along with 4 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear along farborough bank where a Dunlin rested. The cold wind had brought very little else in until the sun came out when a party of 6 more Common Terns arrived followed by the first 3 leaving and then possibly this six left mid-day when seen very high up replaced by another 7. Only other birds of note were another 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 House Sparrow, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 20 Swift. Francoise reported a Whimbrel in toft bay early afternoon and I had a Bullfinch over the garden this afternoon. The cooler nights mean that the moths have quietened down a bit but still managed my first Peppered Moth of the year last night bringing the garden list to 61 species for the year.

The space shed is going over tonight at 20:40 peaking at 20:45 and finally lost to view approaching the Ukraine at 20:50. The pass is classed as excellent and with clear sky's should show well so get out there (put a coat on - the temperature is dropping)

Richard