White-winged Black Tern

Juvenile White-winged Black Tern Grafham Water

Resting on the pontoon opposite the fishing shop, with five Black Terns. Note the contrast between both the dark mantle and scapulars, and the paler grey wing coverts, as well as the shorter, blunter bill. The white on the head extends further behind and above the eye, creating a narrower dark band on the nape, as can be seen in the 4th picture. The short bill and rounder head manage to give a dainty, almost little Gull like appearance, which can be seen just as well in flight.




Juvenile Black Tern for comparison

Friday morning was spent exploring Burnham Overy Dunes, with little reward, though an elusive Wryneck seen by Penny Clarke, in the bushes around Gun Hill, provide some sort of hope, that the planned, afternoon walk out to East Hills may be worthwile after all... As it turned out, migrants were non existent (1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whiethroat, 1 Robin) with the highlights being a flyover Red Kite and a couple of Dark-green Fritillary. Better luck next time.

The first Whinchat appeared at Holme, Sunday 21st (only my 2nd of the year) with a male Redstart in the Coastal Park Monday morning, and a flyover Wood Sandpiper, there on the Saturday, bringing the Patch year list to a respectable 175 (all self found!)