Sunday, 10 April 2022

10th April 2022

Weather:  ESE force 4,   sunny but cool wind.

It was still cold this morning despite the wind at last having some south in it. The Pink-footed geese were moving north again, several groups totalling about 800 birds passed out the estuary to the east of the islands.

The 140 Brent included 2 dark-bellied birds and they were mostly lingering off the north east corner of the island but were surprisingly panicked by a female Sparrowhawk flying about them. There were 7 Shelduck today with 2 of them sitting close in to the rocks off the east side. Both a drake Eider and Common Scoter also habituated the north end.

 A Wheatear was found early but no others arrived later on. A lucky photograph caught it levitating.

A dozen Goldfinches called about the island, but few other obvious migrants were seen, although Wrens seemed to be in double figures, showing yet again that they move more often and further than is appreciated. Two new birds were ringed this morning.

Two Chiffchaffs in the paddocks were the main prize in the ringing list.

Because of the small tide waders fed around the island in mainly low numbers, noticed were 4 Purple Sandpipers, 60 Turnstone and 44 Redshank, also 3 Little Egrets in the gutter.

Photos PSW

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