Wednesday 29 March 2023

29th March 2023

 Weather: SE force 4/5

Although bthe temperature was slightly above average for the season it felt cold in the very fresh breeze. A Goosander and Red-breasted Merganser were spotted flying near the island as observers approached and a Woodpigeon flew over, 3 more turned up later in the morning. No Chiffchaffs were about but 2 Goldcrests were ringed first thing, the plain yellow crown stripe marked them as females.

 Corvids made close approaches to the island, firstly a group of 13 Carrion Crows meandered slowly passed the buildings and gardens and then 12 Jackdaws were nearby off the east side.

A Raven appeared briefly by Middle Eye. Some passers-by were 6 Pied and a White Wagtail, a Skylark, a Reed Bunting and a Chaffinch. The Brent (still 237 birds including a dark-bellied individual) made several forays as a flock out to sea and returning, almost in a dress rehearsal for the coming migration north. There were 11 Purple Sandpipers, about as many as here recently, and a few Dunlin and Ringed Plover fed at the low tide. The best sighting amongst the waders however were a flock of 80 Bar-tailed Godwits seen to fly in and land with the Brent at the tide edge, the largest flock seen for some time. 

 

 

 Fourteen Shelduck were seen in total today.

 

A frog looked surprised as we passed him in the tiny pool in the Newton trap.

 

Nine Common Scoter, 2 Little Egrets and a Grey Heron were also logged.

 
 Ringed: 2 Goldcrest, 1 Linnet

Photos AEH, PSW

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