3rd February 2023

 Weather: W force 4,  WSW 4/5 by noon

Two Raven were briefly in the air above the west side of Middle early morning. The six Eider drifted up the gutter on the morning tide closely followed by a surprise female Goldeneye.

 The Eider were then joined by a seventh bird in the form of a fine adult male.

 On the ebb they all engaged in a bathing session below the obs garden.

Only 4 Purple Sandpiper could be found upon checking their usual roost sites, but 13 were recorded feeding later below the Observatory so they have found a new roost elsewhere.

Good numbers of Grey Plover (155), Curlew (358), Knot (800), Dunlin (200) were noted at the high tide, also about 1,000 Oystercatchers.

 Land birds wintering were about 10 Wrens, 2 Blackbirds, a Song Thrush and 2 Rock Pipits.

Photos AS