27th January 2023

 Weather: NNE force 1, W 1 by noon.

Upon arrival on Middle Eye early morning a flock of 14 Linnet seemed very jittery and wouldn't settle, this was explained when a juvenile Sparrowhawk was discovered perched on the cliff. This bird stayed around the islands most of the day, including having a good preen in the Heli trap !

Six Red-breasted Merganser were in the swash along with a pair of Goosander and 3 more Goosander drifted up the east side of the island on the tide.

 The Brent were counted at 322 and the Eider had increased to 7 birds including 2 immature males.

Also noted on the sea were 45 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver and 11 Great Crested Grebes. In addition to 6 Purple Sandpipers there were 184 Turnstone, 34 Grey Plover, 1,700 Knot and 600 Dunlin.

 A military transport aircraft flew low to the island, probably in training.

 The evenings are now starting to drawing out but the sun still sets over the welsh coast. 

Photos AS