2nd April 2023

 Weather: NE force 3,  later NNE 2

After the Ruddy Shelducks yesterday, another feral bird turned up today in the form of a Red-legged Partridge. It was seen on the south end and then flew to the gardens but was subsequently elusive. It is only the 5th for the island after recent records in April 2020 and March 2021.

 

 

A high tide sea watch failed to produce as many Little Gulls as yesterday, just 4 off the west side this morning, but 58 Gannets and 65 Sandwich Terns arrived in Liverpool Bay, with records also of 12 Red-throated Divers, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Guillemot and 130 Common Scoter. The expected Woodpigeon arrived, this time a Collared Dove also came to look around.

 Other visitors to the island were a Reed Bunting, a White Wagtail, a Chiffchaff, a Sand Martin, 2 Goldfinches, a Chaffinch and a Wheatear.

Six Wigeon flew north and the 6 Eiders here today included a male, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers were off the west hoyle bank, and a pair of Goosander soon arrived,

 while the Brent still number over 200,

 The waders as usual had to endure disturbance from the weekend water sports enthusiasts.

Totals inclued 5,000 Knot, 1,200 Dunlin, 184 Curlew, 40 Redshank and 9 Purple Sandpiper. A single Grey Heron was here again and 2 Little Egrets.

 

Photos SRW