Ashill Common, Norfolk

It has been a while since I visited this lovely common, I should in fact do so more often than I do as there are some great habitats there, especially along a feature known as 'Devil's Dyke', a very ancient ditch with very dense scrub comprising Elder, Bramble, Hawthorn, Dog Rose, and Gorse.  Clearly, my aim today was to check for migrants.

500+ Gulls (mostly Lesser/Great Black-backed Gulls) following the plough
2 Buzzards
1 Sparrowhawk (female)
2+ Meadow Pipits
Blackbird
5+ Whitethroats
2+ Blackcap
1 Chiffchaff
Blue Tits
Great Tit
4 Bullfinch
4 Greenfinch
200+ Linnets
Reed Bunting

I first of all decided to make my way to where the Gulls were present in high numbers, I must admit to not being too over-excited about Gulls, however, the numbers indicated a visit was in order.  Overviewing the field being ploughed, I could see that the vast majority of Gulls were both Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls of varying age groups from juvenile birds to adults.

Ashill Common 15/09/15. A staging post today for Whitethroats 

It was at this locality that a flock of 200+ Linnets frequently flew around an adjoining field of Sugar Beet, an impressive count.
I couldn't resist a slow walk alongside a large, inviting area of dense scrub habitat, there must be migrants making use of this rich habitat.  With the westerly wind blowing moderate to fresh, I stayed along the sheltered side to watch for movement.  As expected, I did find migrants along 'Devil's Dyke', at least 5 Whitethroats were found moving quickly between cover. These birds were looking quite immaculate in their fresh plumages.  Also within this habitat was Blackcap, Chiffchaff, at least 4 Greenfinches dropped in and calling Bullfinches were seen.