2nd April 2022

 Weather: SSW force 3, S 1 in the afternoon

The wind turned to the south this morning and The Pink-footed Geese up the estuary took advantage to head north in numbers. A total of 385 passed the islands in 6 skeins, 2 of them containing over 100 birds, truly an impressive sight and sound.

Beside the geese, other migrants were very scarce, just a couple of Goldfinches, a Woodpigeon and a Skylark. A pair of Teal and 2 Canada Geese showed up however, and there were 10 Shelduck around, with some showing a definite interest in staying.

Two hundred and nineteen Brent were counted, 26 of which were residing on the west hoyle at the time. Out to sea were 3 Great Crested Grebes and 320 Common Scoter, while waders included 13 Purple Sandpiper, 49 Turnstone, 300 Knot, 24 Redshank, 190 Curlew, 2 Grey Plover and 22 Ringed Plover.

The Kestrel was still here and 6 Little Egret and a Grey Heron fed on the shore. At low tide 292 Grey Seals were counted.

Photos AS, CJW