Spring seems to have taken a temporary break as the northerly winds have put the brakes on all migration. Having said that, small numbers of birds are still arriving with 5 wheatears on the grazing marsh this afternoon and several sand martins through west. The cold winds has slowed down the resident birds and the marsh harriers have stopped displaying for the time being.
Over the last few days we have noticed a small number of white wagtails feeding with the more familiar pied wagtails on the fresh marsh and beach. If you travel throughout Europe, all of the wagtails that you see will be white, it is only when you get back to northern France and the UK that you see pied wagtails again. At this time of year, small numbers 'drift' across the North Sea and end up along the east coast. Once you 'get your eye in' they are fairly easy to pick out. You are looking for the wagtail that has a jet-black head that contrasts with its pearl-grey back compared the pied's jet-black head and back. If you are confused, follow this link to the RSPB website and compare the illustrations. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/piedwagtail/index.aspx
The 3 trees sparrows remain around the feeders and have occasionally been heard singing, two adult Meditteranean gulls have been on the fresh marsh and upto 80 avocets can now be seen on the fresh marsh. Several on the birds have been seen displaying, mating and even nest building.
Make the most of the extended weekend and go out in search of an early spring migrant. You may catch up with the first singing blackcap of the year or even an osprey - you never know!