Swallows, martins, warblers, 134 Tree Sparrows and much else over the cliffs

Saturday 26 March 2016

Counting period: 05:49 - 08:49 Count type: coastal vismig (landbased birds only) Weather: wind SW5, cloud-cover 8/8, High cloud but gradually thickening as am went on. Observers: Andy Brown, Gary Hibberd, Chris Mills and Robert Smith S N S N S N Golden Plover    9    -    alba wagtail sp.    87    -    Tree Sparrow    134    -    Lapwing    4    -    Blackbird    5    -    Chaffinch    38    -    Curlew    7    -    Fieldfare    257    -    Brambling    2    -    Lesser Black-backed Gull    6    -    Redwing    75    -    Greenfinch    26    -    Woodpigeon    36    -    Chiffchaff/Willow Warbler    3    -    Goldfinch    368    -    Skylark    5    -    Great Tit    7    -    Siskin    346    -    Sand Martin    16    -    Jackdaw    3    -    Linnet    119    -    Swallow    3    -    Rook    8    -    redpoll sp.    7    -    House Martin    1    -    Carrion Crow    1    -    Yellowhammer    1    -    Meadow Pipit    264    -    Starling    188    -    Reed Bunting    7    -    Totals: 2033 individuals, 30 species, 3:00 hours Bold = Remarkable observation (scarce or rare species or large number) Comments: A really nice morning with good variety and decent nos of some species. The first three common hirundines on the same day is quite likely a first for us. The tree sparrow count was the third biggest, while the goldfinch total was decent for March. The phylloscpus warblers was also very unusual, flying through strongly with no hope of identifying them.