30th Apr – Another Eastern Subalpine Warbler!

The highlight today was another Eastern Subalpine Warbler, the second in just over a week, and this time a second calendar-year female, first seen in the field on the lower flanks of the Ugly, near Millcombe House at about 12.50 by Richard Campey, Tim Davis, Rob Duncan & Tim Jones, then trapped in a mist-net in the 'Secret Garden' area of lower Millcombe a few minutes later and ringed by Dean Jones. Photos below; others from Richard Campey to follow.

Female Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Millcombe, 30 Apr © Tim Jones

Tail pattern of Eastern Subalpine Warbler; note that 2nd outermost feather on right side is unmoulted © Tim Jones

Most of yesterday's huge fall of Willow Warblers had moved on overnight, leaving just 50 today, whilst Swallows were also much less numerous, though an estimated 500 still passed through. Notable records during a busy day included: a ringtail Hen Harrier, a male Sparrowhawk, three Golden Plover, a Ringed Plover, three Whimbrel, three Dunlin, 102 Puffin (Jenny's Cove), a Cuckoo (calling at dusk from the Rocket Pole area), 7 Woodpigeon, a Collared Dove, a Swift (South West Point), two Kestrel, 14 Sand Martin, 30 House Martin, 30 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge Warbler, three Reed Warbler (ringed), 50 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 15 Whitethroat, three Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, single Pied Flycatcher (f) and Spotted Flycatcher (both Millcombe), two male Whinchats (Quarter Wall), 30 Wheatear, two Tree Pipit, a Siskin and two Lesser Redpoll.

Compiled from observations by Richard Campey, Tim Davis, Mandy Dee, Rob Duncan, Dean Jones, Tim Jones and David Kightley.