Friday, 12 May 2023

12th May 2023

Weather:  NE force 2,  N 3 in the afternoon

 On arrival at the island a spectacle enfolded for the observers when a lasge flock of about 1,200 Dunlin was disturbed by a marauding Peregrine between the islands.

         

The Peregrine singled one out and snatched its prey and flew off eastwards.



The rest of the morning was uneventful, there were 2 Sand Martins flying south early on and a Willow Warbler was in the old obs garden, these were the sole small migrants of the day. Eight Shelduck hung about the islands and the Eiders initially seen were 3 drakes (1 immature) but they seem to vary as the days pass.

 

The sea was also quiet, just 20 Sandwich Terns and 2 Common Terns in the morning and a Great Crested Grebe. A single Whimbrel and a few of the common waders (apart from 1,200 Dumin) were logged. There were 5 Little Egrets today and 2 Grey Herons. The island looks colourful at the moment with both Thrift and Birdsfoot Trefoil flowering.

Photos: CJ, CJW

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