9th December 2021

 Weather: W force 5, decreasing 3 later.

 The wind was near gale force at dawn but soon moderated making the day feel more pleasent as the sun came up.

 A Raven was seen early. The Brent were elusive before the tide, however 190 turned up at the main island for the tide, but 300 or so flew south of Middle, some of which would be the same birds. The Kestrel was on the island, disturbing the waders in the absence of a Peregrine or Merlin.

Rock Pipits were on each of the 3 islands, 4 in total. At high tide the Oystercatchers numbered 4,100 on Middle and the south end of the main island, while 8 purple Sandpipers sat at the north end. Four Blackbirds were seen, while the ringing effort managed to mark a new Robin and Song Thrush and a Wren that was ringed earlier this year.

 A pellet from a Barn Owl was discovered near the heli trap, it contained vole remains. Small scale damage was noticed to some of the fences and buildings recently caused by the gales. There were only about 20 seals at low tide but that was to be expected as they will be away visiting breeding grounds with beaches that are not completely covered by the tide.

Photos JE