Weather: WNW force 5, slowly decreasing 3 during the day
Following the very strong winds of yesterday looking towards the sea was the order of the day, which brought it's reward with the sighting of a drake Long-tailed duck and other records on the sea. There were still 2 Gannets seen out in Liverpool bay after the blow in yesterday and over 1,500 distant Common Scoter, a Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 4 Little Gulls and 3 Red-throated Divers.
As usual there was the odd Scoter near to the island.
The first Swallow of the year soon arrived after the day became calmer, still unusual in this wind direction but very welcome indeed. A Chiffchaff and a male Wheatear were the other small migrant arrivals in these unfriendly conditions.
Niffy bay steps held most of the Turnstone (in total 180) and Purple Sandpipers (14) during the tide.
and Redshank (120) were never far away, mixing in with them
The ever present Oystercatchers usually prefer to roost on the north end of Middle.
The Brent were counted at 312 plus 1 dark-bellied bird, and a pair of Shelduck were hanging around. A couple of the regulars showing for the camera today were a Robin and colour ringed Rock Pipit.
Photos AEH
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