Friday 12 February 2016

12th February 2016



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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