April 14th

Up early and out to Corton church. It soon became evident that a phenominal passage of Redwing was underway as stream upon stream of them were moving south over the sallows and off south over the church with many stopping to rest in fields also. The passage continued for at least an hour and I logged a conservative 2300 birds. An hour later when at the new sewage works a massive flock of 1200 Redwing flew over south west. In adition to these there were also masses of Redwing around Hopton railtrack and the stubble and hedges inland of it, at least 1000 more. Some of the birds at the railtrack here were singing. A wonderful spectacle and maybe never to be repeated in spring. Many Chaffinch and Siskin and some Fieldfares were also moving south over Corton church early morning. Whilst walking along Hopton railtrack I was stopped abruptly by a large shape in the gorse. Raising bins a pair of bright orange eyes stared back at me..Long-eared Owl. Backing up and notifying the locals..the bird was enjoyed for most of the day. Another Long eared Owl was noted by others at Corton railtrack, part of an influx into our coast today. Back out to Corton Cliffs 6 Sand Martins were new in and a number of Swallows were noted during the day. Peter had seen a female Ring Ouzel here but it had moved off north by the time I arrived. At the railtrack 1 or 2 Firecrests were seen. At Flycatcher Alley another Firecrest was noted along with a flyover Brambling. 2 female type Black Redstarts were showing at the net posts.