Saturday, 17 February 2024

17th February 2024

 Weather: ESE force 4,   mist around the estuary

A brief morning visit was well worth the walk with the first 2 Stonechat of the year being noted upon arrival, they spent some time around the south gardens.

 

 

Stonechats are a scarce visitor to the islands especially at times of passage, but in particular they seldom let February pass without an early year appearance. A single Starling flew south, a Pied Wagtail, 4 Linnet and 2 Goldfinch stayed around the island, the Goldfinch spent some time in the birch where a pair nested last year. Rock and Meadow Pipit continue to display. Sixty Pink-footed Geese flew north east out of the estuary, 3 Shelduck were in the Gutter and 2 female Goosander fed to the west of the island. Singles were present of Little Egret, Kestrel, and Grey Heron.

 

Snowdrops brightened up the island.

 

Photos AS

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