6th February 2023

 Weather: SE force 2, SSW 2 by the afternoon.

A lovely day despite the cold, with a few early spring migrants arriving in the form of a Goldcrest, a single Siskin over (going east) and a Goldcrest in the SK paddock. Bird of the day though was a Short-eared Owl high over East Hoyle Bank when the tide was in, as is often the case it was being pestered by a Crow. The regular 6 Eider were present and briefly joined by the adult male again at high tide. 

A pair of Goosander fished just off the whaleback and the female caught one big enough to create a problem dealing with it .... but she wouldn't share!

 

Sixteen Great Crested Grebe were on the sea and 34 Scoter were noted, with a few of them around the island. Purple Sandpipers numbered 15, still a good count, plus 120 Turnstone, 225 Grey Plover, 16 Ringed Plover and 57 Redshank. Around the paddocks and gardens were 8 Wrens, a Song Thrush, 3 Meadow Pipits, 3 Blackbirds, 2 Robins and 3 Rock Pipits. 

Ten linnets were on Middle and Grey Plover around Little Eye before dawn. Single sightings each of Little Egret, Grey Heron and Kestrel were logged today. A Harbour Porpoise was easily noticed as a result of the light breeze.

Photos AS