Weather: ESE force 5 , sunny with a very cool wind
A reapeat performance from yesterday weather wise, but with slighly increased wind. Soon after dawn the Pink-footed Geese continued to pour out of the estuary in several flocks.
After a slow start on the island a few Willow Warblers arrived in the traps, the first to be ringed here this year.
Seven were ringed out of 10 arrivals on the island, but no new Chiffchaffs today but one from yesterday was still here, also absent were any Goldcrests this morning. Another movement of Woodpigeons came through, 7 in total and an especially noteworthy passage of finches included over 60 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins. 6 Redpolls and 9 Chaffinches.
Just as observers were leaving the island late morning a male House Sparrow dropped in to visit. Four Wheatears were noted on the west side, and the only hirundines featured 2 Swallows, a Sand Martin and 2 House Martins (only the 2nd record this year after one on Friday). Wagtails also showed; a Grey in addition to the more usual 4 Whites and 2 Pied. Apart from 4 Great Crested Grebes and 12 Common Scoter no records from the sea this morning due to the very low tide and strong south easterly wind. Dunlin fed about the island in numbers but other waders were few, no obvious sign of any Purple Sandpipers but some may still remain. Brent were down to 13 counted, seems to have been a large exodus over the last few days. No surprise that at the low tide no Eiders or Goosanders showed but a single Red-breasted Merganser flew across between the islands, while 4 Canada Geese flew across the top of the island. The Red-legged Partidge sat on the west side rocks until disturbed but is generally quite elusive now.
A Buff-tailed Bumblebee flew in the sunshine, while.Bluebells are now out at the south end.
Ringed: 7 Willow Warblers, 1 Wren.
Photos AEH, CJW
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