9th December 2023

 Weather: ESE force 5  rain early, wind increasing WSW 7 during the morning.

 

The early tide came with the rain and the forecast of gales later in the afternoon, it was brighter as the rain ceased and enabled some good photos in the morning. A few of the 100 or so Common Scoter seen were close to the island, there were 2 males and a female that stepped out on the rocks.

 

 Two immature Eider were noticed first and a little later a drake came into view. Two Teal were here and the Brent were counted at 485 birds. Purple Sandpipers numbered 18.

Other waders in the strong wind were 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 45 Sanderling, 10 Ringed Plover, 60 Curlew. 40 Redshank, 100 Turnstone, 350 Dunlin and 500 Knot. The small number of resident birds were keeping a low profile in the wind but our friend the Kestrel was not affected by the wind.

 Photos CJW