Wintersett vismig off to a flyer!....

ANGLERS CP; the Black-necked Grebe is still present, feeding in the shallows in front of the hide. A good influx of dabbling duck overnight with Teal 130 (probably the largest ever August count here), Wigeon 12 and Shoveler 3, as Well as a Shelduck and the Goldeneye. WINTERSETT RES; a adult Arctic Tern and 6 Common Terns were on here. The dull and overcast weather looked ideal for migrating birds and we were to be proved right. Watching from the viewpoint on the hill; a Turnstone came in at 09.30 for 20 minutes before leaving northeast, a Great Crested Grebe high up flew northwest (unusual),a calling flock of Whimbrel couldn't be found in the cloud but clearly contained at least 2 birds and then a little later a flock of 38 Whimbrel flew northwest (40 is a new site record). Greenshank were also moving with a 3 and a 1 all northwards, a Ruff came in at 12.30 and a Common Sand appeared on the rocks in front of the hide. A single Snipe dropped in briefly before also heading off north. The Lapwing flock is up to 220 and a few small Golden Plover flocks were noted flying over.The first passage Common Buzzards of autumn were seen today - 2 singles heading west and southwest as well as at least 6 resident birds floating around their respective territorries. Raptor of the day went to a fine male Marsh Harrier (the first of this age and sex Pete Smith has ever seen here - thats how rare this is) which came in from the east at 14.55 circled and gained height before departing to the west. Two drake Common Scoters appeared on the lake around lunchtime stretching their wings and necks having clearly just come in unseen by us! Another single drake Common Scoter flew southwest at 12.54 and then to put the final coating on a excellent day a flock of 59 Common Scoters (accompanied by a single Teal) flew west at 15.55.A total of 62 Common Scoters today. Also in the area were a Hobby and 3 Yellow Wagtails. So quite a good day and if it's beaten this autumn I hope that I'm there to witness it.