Rain, sunshine and migrants at last.

Starting off mid morning, myself and Craig stopped at south marsh North Warren to give the flooded area a look. A summer plumaged and winter plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit were feeding on the short cropped grass, whilst a Grasshopper Warbler reeled near-by, not a bad start. We next headed to Thorpeness Caravan park where we were greeted by singing Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Yellowhammer. A walk around soon found a few more Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps present along with singles of Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat. 2 Swifts buzzed over as the rain closed in and we headed to Minsmere.
Over Island Mere a host of hirundines consisted of some 50+ House Martins, 25+ Swallow, 10+ Sand Martin and some 30+ Swifts also joined in. A couple of Otters kept us entertained whilst we waited for the rain to pass.

After the rain had passed we went along the beach and around the sluice bushes. This proved most productive with a 1st summer Redstart, Garden Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, and several each of Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff being seen. A Knot was a surprise find on the flooded fields of the levels.
Back at the visitors centre we watched a Black Redstart as it fed up on the bank with a couple of Goldfinches. A Cuckoo called on the way out of the reserve and rounded of a nice day in the field.

1st Summer male Redstart, note restricted orange on breast, grey rather than black throat, brown wings and less white on forehead.

Redstart top, Balck Redstart bottom