There must have been something in the air tonight, as hundred of Swifts were hunting over the fields around the reserve and right the way through to Speeton. They say one Swallow doesn't make a summer, but surely hundreds of Swifts do? Keep an eye out for large groups of these marvels of the air if you're heading to the reserve this weekend.
Other things to look out for are Brown Hares, although increasingly tricky to see in the ever growing crops and Grasshopper Warblers. Two of these "relentless reelers" have been seen and heard over the last few days, but please do approach them with care as they can be a little camera shy.
A Spotted Flycatcher is still sheltering in the Dell, a fabulous insect trap, so an ideal spot for one to linger for a while and a Wheatear was seen yesterday on the cliff top path.
Meadow Pipits and Skylarks are plentiful in the grasslands, the Skylarks singing their heart out if you can hear them above the seabird cacophony and two or three Corn Buntings are still jangling away on fence lines.
On the cliffs there's plenty of action. The first Herring Gull chick of the year was seen today and at last reasonable numbers of Fulmars have settled down. Some of these hugely patient incubating birds can be tricky to spot, as the prime nesting sites are those compact Fulmar sized crevices, but not surprisingly these are equally popular with Razorbills and, if deep enough, Puffins.
Whilst on the latter, had to take one to a wildlife rescue centre this evening. Not sure what has caused it to be ill, but was found just off the reserve. Also, not entirely sure it totally appreciated its trip to the rescue centre, particularly the nine roundabouts, but is now in very good hands.