29th December 2010

Somewhat milder today with all the snow and ice now vanished making all parts of the island accessible. No winter Snipe or Lapwings were logged, and only 12 Skylarks appeared although 11 Linnets were the first for some time on the island, while 3 Blackbirds were noted early and 6 Song Thrushes continued their stay (one being re-trapped from last winter).

The Brent numbered 167 including all three colour ringed birds, but duck were at a premium, with 3 Wigeon seen and a flock of 6 Scaup flying west.

A Sparrowhawk flew across early on but did not stay, while a male Kestrel showed up and swooped on an unfortunate Song Thrush in the bracken at the south end. There were some other signs of kills today with finds of 2 dead Knot, 2 dead Redshank, 2 predated Lapwings, and most surprising of all, Golden Plover remains in the rangers garden.

A Grey Heron stood on 'Wheatear hill' by the obs for a while and only flew when visitors on the path came too close (above & right).

Fourteen Great Crested Grebes were the only 'seabirds' of note today.

Ringed:- 1 Song Thrush.

(DB,JE,CJ,PSW) [717] Photos PSW