It's raining birds, hallelujah!

Grasshopper Warbler on seaweed covered rocks (Graeme Duncan) 

Stunning views - Grasshopper Warbler (Graeme Duncan) 

Reedbeds anywhere? Grasshopper Warbler (Graeme Duncan) 

One of five Whinchat to arrive (David Steel) 

First of the year - Pied Flycatcher (Bex Outram) 

Wrynecks still here (David Steel) 

Tame Siskin (Ciaran Hatsell) 

Male Brambling feeding on birdtable (David Steel)

Monday 30th April comments: WHAT a day (I say that a lot, but what a day). The Farnes are a migration hotspot for birds making the long arduous trek across the North Sea and are often the first area of land they encounter. Today the conditions were favourable and a deluge of migrants rained down upon the islands. No fewer than eight species were recorded for the first time this year and some stunning sights included a Grasshopper Warbler feeding on seaweed covered rocks on Longstone, a siskin feeding at the feet of the observers, a singing male Ring Ouzel on Brownsman, two Wrynecks actively feeding and no fewer than seven species of warbler. This is birding…Farnes style.

The birding on the Farnes can be epic as views and number of birds can be outstanding. Today was just ‘one of those days’ on the Farnes – unforgettable for those who witnessed it’. Now we just need settled weather so we can get back to business and focus on the breeding seabirds and more importantly share it with you!

Today's totals: Moorhen 1 (still here!), Green Sandpiper 1 for 2nd day, Wood Pigeon 2, WRYNECK 2 (Staple and Brownsman for 5th day), Sand Martin 1 (first of the year!), Swallow 18, Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 39, Blackcap 12, Lesser Whitethroat 2 (first of the year), Whitethroat 5 (first of the year), Grasshopper Warbler 2 (including 1 on rocks on Longstone), Sedge Warbler 1 (first of the year), Wren 1, Ring Ouzel male singing on Brownsman, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 4 (late!), Song Thrush 3, Redwing 1 (late), Robin 60, Pied Flycatcher female (first of the year), Redstart 3, Whinchat 5 (first of the year), Wheatear 54, Dunnock 2, Yellow Wagtail male (first of the year), ‘White Wagtail 1, Tree Pipit 3 (first of the year), Meadow Pipit 10, Brambling 2, Siskin 1, Lesser Redpoll 1 and Reed Bunting 2.