Redstart and Arctic Terns

18th April 2011 – sunny spells E1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea (0755-0825) revealed the first 3 Arctic Tern of the spring heading into Morecambe Bay, also seen were 110 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A fine male Redstart was new for the year; otherwise sightings were limited to 6 Willow Warbler and single Wheatear, Blackcap and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlights of the monthly WeBS count were few but included 2780 Oystercatcher, 1360 Eider, 650 Turnstone, 290 Redshank, 110 Golden Plover and 7 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger and appears to have paired up with a Carrion Crow. Two Merlin was also recorded.
Moths
Ruby Tiger and Powdered Quaker were new for the year.