23rd March 2016

Weather: Still air
A Merlin was on the west side of Middle, and 5 Swan species were seen entering the estuary from a distance. On the sea off the north end were a pair of Pintail and 2 female or immature Scaup, while a pair of Wigeon preferred the lagoon between the islands and 500 Common Scoters were distantly off to the north. Other sea birds logged were 3 Red-throated Divers and 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 6 Great Crested Grebes. Passerines were scarce but 4 Goldcrests, 6 Pied Wagtails and 20 Meadow Pipits made it to the island, while some of the resident Linnets seemed to be carrying nesting material. Amongst the waders a flock of 110 Knot were at the north end with 2 Purple Sandpipers while on the shore were 16 Sanderling and a Bar-tailed Godwit.
Ringed: 1 Goldcrest     [ 23-7 ]