Weather: Wind NE 2-3, cold with
sunny intervals & occasional light rain.
Brent Geese remain in
large numbers but were typically dispersed & difficult to count. As one
observer left after the tide, numbers between the islands were estimated at 200
with three colour ringed birds noted (White H; Blue S) (Blue D: Red H)
(Green/Red/Silver; Yellow T). Common Scoter numbers remain high, although
nowhere near yesterday's levels, with an estimated 1000 birds noted, mostly at
a distance but with a few birds close in around the island. Eight Whooper Swans
were on the sea close to the windfarm, with one of these being later seen
flying in off the sea at Hoylake. Nine Goldeneye were in a single flock on the
sea with 3 Wigeon and 4 Red-breasted Mergansers also noted. Two
Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and 40 Great Crested Grebe were seen. A Peregrine
hunted the wader roost & appeared to have been successful when the freshly
eaten remains of a Knot were found on the West side. Three Purple Sandpipers
were seen after the tide with 400 Knot on the rocks at the North end early
morning. 2 Stock Dove briefly flew around the island and several Skylarks
passed through during the day.
A colour-ringed juvenile
Cormorant was seen roosting on the whaleback & appears to have been ringed
during 2015 at Puffin Island, although exact details are still awaited. The
Shag seen around the island in recent days was unfortunately found dead.
(DB, RE+1, AEH, AS. CS, CJW + 1)
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