Wind at force 4/5 from the West at the end of Sand Point; keep a sharp eye on the sea. What did we get? Nothing! Until, that was, we were hunting for the Stonechat that was scolding us. “Manx Shearwaters” was the cry and, lifting our bins barely an inch, there they were, the first of 80 or so we saw during the morning. Our cast of eleven had met at 1000 hrs (welcome, new walker David) and gathered Blackbird, Wren, Collared Dove, Robin (including young) Blackcap, Chiffchaff (also including young), Skylark and Song Thrush before the above excitement kicked off. The estuary side of the point was almost sheltered as we made our way along to the coffee stop. The Whitethroat and Linnet were most obliging, posing on occasions for all to see, but the Sparrowhawk was on a mission and whizzed through in the blink of an eye. Our first Swallows and House Martins showed soon after we restarted the walk. At lunch we were serenaded (if you can call it that!) by Greenfinch with Linnet and Whitethroat completing the chorus. Our walk back, in the now increasing sun and slackening wind, was reward with more Greenfinch and a Kestrel who was effortlessly riding the wind. Only one Great Tit and one Blue Tit seen all day but they made the total of 33 seem reasonable for this time of year. The Shearwaters were a real treat. (thanks to Nick for leading) Nick Hawkridge
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