Distictly springlike weather has meant quite a few migrants have been passing through town this last week. I had a quick look in the local park on my lunchbreak and was rewarded with a nice female Red Flanked Bluetail skulking in the bushes.
Lots of Dusky Thrush about too. The first Barn Swallows and Asian House Martin have arrived and yesterday there was a female Siberian Stonechat in the bushes by the local "river" (concreted stream). A Bull Headed Shrike was on the telephone wires in front of my appartment. Long Tailed Rosefinch and Hawfinch have been everywhere too.
On the bigger local river there were Wigeon and a summer plumaged Glaucous Gull and also 3 Siberian Buff Bellied Pipit. A pair of Common Pochard was a surprise and there have been several Wigeon at various sites. Loads of Red Breasted Merganser on the sea were joined by a few Black Scoter.
On Sunday I'll be off to the local cape to try and get some new migrants for my local year list (currently at 84). Thrushes, Buntings, Chats, Warblers. Bring 'em on.
Lots of Dusky Thrush about too. The first Barn Swallows and Asian House Martin have arrived and yesterday there was a female Siberian Stonechat in the bushes by the local "river" (concreted stream). A Bull Headed Shrike was on the telephone wires in front of my appartment. Long Tailed Rosefinch and Hawfinch have been everywhere too.
On the bigger local river there were Wigeon and a summer plumaged Glaucous Gull and also 3 Siberian Buff Bellied Pipit. A pair of Common Pochard was a surprise and there have been several Wigeon at various sites. Loads of Red Breasted Merganser on the sea were joined by a few Black Scoter.
On Sunday I'll be off to the local cape to try and get some new migrants for my local year list (currently at 84). Thrushes, Buntings, Chats, Warblers. Bring 'em on.