8th February 2023

 Weather:  ESE force 2

 

Today was a four raptor day with the first being a Sparrowhawk putting up waders at the north end then flipping over the old obs fence not to be seen again, although probably responsible for the fresh blackbird carcass found on the south end. The Kestrel was again present and a Peregrine pursued waders a few times after tide. Before high tide a bird was spotted flying south up river over the swash and was shown to be a Marsh Harrier.

A new pair of Eider had arrived today giving a total of 10, although all were on the whaleback they kept separate. Goosander numbered 9 with 4 being male.

 

Ten linnet were around the islands, one of two Goldfinch noted landed briefly in the blackthorn and a Siskin flew over calling. One of the 5 Rock Pipit noted was displaying on Middle and a Meadow Pipit has displayed at the south end for the last few days. The regular waders included 157 Turnstone and 60 Ringed Plover. The fox has left signs of being within inches of the obs building.

 Photos AS