1st November 2012

Two Snow Buntings were feeding at the north end for a while this morning but eventually flew off towards the Point of Air. The 12 Red-throated Divers seen on the sea watch in the strong westerly wind were more than have been around so far this autumn, also noted were 7 Guillemots, 8 Common Scoter, a Razorbill and a Pintail. A single Chaffinch fed most of the day in the obs garden. A large flock of 186 Starlings flew across the island with a few more following later, while a single Lapwing was logged flying east. At least 2 colour ringed Turnstones that were marked in previous years are with us for this winter and the largest counts from the island recently were of 500 Sanderling and 45 Bar-tailed Godwits. A interesting sighting today was of 6 Common Seals separated at the haul out of the Grey seals on the other side of the west hoyle bank, as was mentioned recently it is suspected that a small colony of Common seals may becoming established.


Chaffinch



Colour ringed Turnstone






(DB,AEH)       photos  AEH



Ringed Plover