8th March 2023

 Weather: ESE force 2, later E 4,  some sleet or snow showers

A cold grey morning greeted observers who braved the weather and stayed over the high tide at the Obs today. Signs of spring are all around with a Goldfinch and a Woodpigeon overhead early in the morning that were typical early spring fare. A Teal was also seen as was a male Pied Wagtail which could be one of the resident pair returning to breed. The daffodils are beginning to flower in the private gardens around the island and Lesser Celandine is flowering in sheltered places. A feature of recent visits have been the number of Eider and Goosander and today was no exception. A total of 13 Goosander were displaying off the Whale Back at the north end before moving to Middle Eye over the high tide. 

 

Seven Eiders were also seen together at the north end before drifting down the east side of the island on the flooding tide. It appears there is an adult male, 2 sub adult males and 4 female types in the flock. Brent Geese numbers are declining as they start moving towards their arctic breeding grounds but 220 were still present around the islands. A brief sea watch was rewarded with a number of Great Crested Grebes, Red-throated Divers and Guillemots. Common Scoter are beginning to pair up and small groups were flying around over the high tide. 

A sighting of 4 Harbour Porpoise off the west side was unexpected. Good numbers of waders are around at the moment with 15 Purple Sandpipers and 200+ Turnstones feeding around the rocky shores. Coming in to roost on Middle Eye over the high tide were 120 Curlew with 1,200 Oystercatchers and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits. Good numbers of Grey Plover, Knot, Redshank, Dunlin and smaller numbers of Ringed Plover and Sanderling were seen feeding on the exposed mud as the tide receded. At least 7 Rock Pipits were seen with some showing signs of summer plumage. 

Three Blackbirds remain on the island and there was evidence of the wintering Song Thrush provided by the number of broken snail shells found on an ‘anvil’. A tame unringed Robin in the Obs garden provided entertainment whilst Observers were taking a warming brew! 

 
  Photos PSW