Patch Ticks, like buses.....

Friday 2nd and Sunday 4th September 2011
The Otter has provided me with a couple of patch ticks in the last few days and long may it continue. First was a fine Spotted Redshank on Friday 2nd September, but like all scarce waders on the Otter, it spent five minutes on the estuary and then buggered off! Luckily this bird gave its hiding place away as it was calling regularly just as I was passing the hide on the East side of the estuary. Just allowing me to scope it for a couple of minutes before it headed off.

Today, there had clearly been an arrival of migrants, the best of which was a fine Wryneck (patch tick No. 2!) that proudly sunned itself on an Elderberry early this morning.
There were plenty of migrants around, well for the Otter at least, with the following making for a good morning's birding.
07.00 - 12.00
Wheatear - 7+
Whitethroat - 10+
Whinchat - 2
Willow Warbler - 10+
Chiffchaff - 40+
Blackcap - 4+
Linnet - 90+
Yellow Wagtail - 2
Reed Warbler - 2
Spotted Flycatcher - 3
Teal - 12
Common Scoter - 2
Med Gull - 2 (ad and 1st yr)