19th March 2011

Good coverage throughout the day saw the first 2 Sandwich Terns logged by members this year off to the west side of the island, also a winter plumaged Black-throated Diver that flew out of the estuary on the flood tide. Other seabirds included 16 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Red-throated Divers, 4 Little Gulls and 2 Gannets. Three female Goldeneye were a good find, slightly less exciting were 2 Canada Geese, but the appearance of a Little Egret was welcome as they have been particularly scarce these winter months.

The Herring Gull that was ringed near Widnes (above) is still staying close to the island as it has done since first being seen last year.
Very little today in the way of land birds; a Blackbird, 2 Siskins, 1 Goldfinch and a Goldcrest still present from yesterday, also 2 Pied wagtails which may be contemplating breeding (right).
(DB + ESCA, PSW, SRW,TGW,CJW,CIW) photos PSW