17th October 2015

Weather: NE force 2 then 3/4 during the morning, cloudy

 
A Redwing was at the south end of Middle early on then another was by Niffy Bay and a Skylark passed over, otherwise there were no movements through the island this morning and observers had to be content with examining the Brent geese and waders on the shore.
The dark-bellied Brent showed clearly (right, AEH) but counting the pale-bellied was a problem with parties scattered around the islands.

Four Little Egrets and 13 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the shore after a single Black-tailed Godwit flew across the island. Seven Gannets flew out of the Dee up the west side this morning passing close to the north end on the way (above,CJ), while later at high tide an Eider and a Scaup were sitting on the sea, but only 1 Red-throated Diver could be found. Bird of the day arrived also at high tide when a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea and landed in Telegraph house garden.
(AEH,CJ+1,PSW)