Early signs of migration (Houghton-on-the-Hill)

The previous night saw increased wind strength from the SW with spells of rain, the morning started cloudy with occasional spells of light rain, but the wind was the notable factor, and indeed, over the coming weekend it is set to be unseasonably stormy.  The morning certainly had a feel of early autumn, although it remained very warm.
Now that we are into the second week of August I decided to visit high ground near North Pickenham which has affectionately become known as my migration watch point.  There surely should be signs of passage birds now.

Hedgerow corridor at Houghton always produces migrant Warblers in autumn.

The hedgerow corridor pictured here has always produced good numbers of migrant Warblers in late summer and autumn.  Often, on an early, bright, late summer/autumn morning, I can stand at the point shown here and watch dozens of Warblers flying between the hedges in their search for food.  The main food sources here are Elderberry and Blackberry, soft fruits which are palatable to Warblers.
This mornings early search for migrants was quite productive, along with more resident species, as follows:

2 Kestrel
1 Hobby (hunting)
8+ House Martins (very high heading south into strong wind)
Blackbird
15+ Whitethroats
1 Lesser Whitethroat
5+ Blackcaps
2 Chiffchaff
Blue Tits - several juveniles
Linnet
2 Bullfinch (juvs)
6+ Yellowhammers

Lesser Whitethroats are simply outstanding Warblers and at least one was seen this morning in a hedgerow Holly with Whitethroats.   Sometimes it is difficult to ascertain what are genuine migrants and what are post-breeding dispersed birds, however, given the time of year and numbers of birds involved, those seen this morning were certainly passage migrants.
The only evidence of visual passage this morning was of at least 8 House Martins flying very high and in a southerly heading, almost directly into the increasing wind.
Resident or local transient birds included several 'yellow faced' juvenile Blue Tits moving along the hedge searching for food.

Yellowhammer 9th August.  Often shuffled on ground amongst stubble.

A number of Yellowhammers were seen in hedgerows, often these birds flew down to stubble to feed.
At least 2 Bullfinches were seen, they initially betrayed their presence with their soft 'piping' call.  These birds were either seen flying away from me showing their distinctive white rumps, or briefly perched on an overhead wire, and appearing quite dull in appearance compared to their parents, and being young, they lack the black crown of the adult bird.

Bullfinch 9th August (lacks the Black cap of the adult bird.