Friday, 24 March 2023

24th March 2023

 Weather:  SW force 5, rain early then sunny intervals, windy

 

A male Stonechat was again the star performer for the observers with cameras, giving a great show on the island.


In addition to the Woodpigeons (2) today, there were 6 Collared Doves which were the first here this spring. There was a small passage of over 100 Meadow Pipits,and 2 Goldcrests and 3 Chiffchaffs were in the paddocks and gardens, 

 

.... while other migrants included 2 Goldfinches, a Chafffinch, 2 Starlings and 2 Skylarks which were down on Middle Eye. The regular 6 Eider turned up.

and other wildfowl were 267 Brent, 25 Common Scoter, 3 Mallard. Some waders settled on the island to roost and flew when disturbed.

Counts today featured 3,000 Knot, 1,800 Dunlin, 90 Turnstone, 8 Sanderling and 7 Purple Sandpiper. There were 2 Little Egret and a Grey Heron.

Two Harbour porpoise were off the east side (which is unusual, probably due to the depth of the large tide today) and a Common Seal was in the gutter. After the tide the wind gusted to gale force 9, making our observer beat a hasty retreat.

 Photos AS, CJW, SRW,

No comments: