17th March 2009

A cloudier day but with continuing south easterlies bringing the early migrants to our coasts. Early morning two Yellow-legged Gulls were on the whaleback and 2 Jackdaws were recognised by their distinctive calls overhead while both Canada Goose (2) and Wood Pigeon were added to the visitor check list before 08.00hrs.

Finches were more numerous than yesterday with counts of 45 Linnets, 23 Goldfinches, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Chaffinches, 7 Siskin and a Redpoll. First arrival for the year were 2 White Wagtails identified with 8 Pied Wagtails passing over. Three Reed Buntings and 2 Starlings were also transient visitors but 10 Goldcrests, 2 Blackbirds and a Song Thrush stayed to feed before moving on.

Another male Northern Wheatear stayed the day, this time keeping exclusively to the north end of the island and at one time sitting on top of the sea watching hide (right).

Trapped for ringing: 5 Goldcrests, 2 Blackbirds, 2 Robins, 1 Song Thrush

(DB,CJ,KMc et al) photo CJ