26th February 2023

 Weather: ENE Force 2/3   cool and cloudy

Bird of the day must be the Lapland Bunting which flew over the obs just before 09.45hrs heading west while calling. Lapland Bunting is a very scarce and less than annual visitor to the islands. Earlier 400 Pink-footed Geese flew out of the estuary soon after dawn and then the 2 Stonechats from yesterday were found to be still present, although initially elusive for the cameras until later in the morning.

 

 

 

No Eiders seen again this morning, but this may have been something to do with the state of the tide, while Goosanders eventually showed off the north end, but just 3 individuals (2males)

 Six Common Scoters were also close in at the north end.

 Two Great Crested Grebes fished off the west side, one in partly summer plumage.

 Waders were not in great numbers as the tide was very low this morning, however a Peregrine flushed most of those that were feeding around the edge of the island.

There were 5 Blackbirds here, also at least 2 Robins, one of which was extremely confiding.

Eight Linnets were roaming the middle of the island as a flock.

The young seal was still resting below the east cliff on Middle this morning.

Photos AEH (most), CJ