A fresh westerly (force 5-6 at times) greeted observers this morning and focus was thought to be on seawatching yet again. However, the high pitched calls of Goldcrests could be heard from the trapping area and up to ten of these tiny birds had arrived on the island despite the wind. Six Goldcrests were caught and ringed along with two new Robins and a Chaffinch on the feeder in the 'Heli' was assumed to be the ringed bird, which was still present yesterday, however when caught it was found to be a new bird too.
The seawatching was a little less interesting although very small numbers of Sandwich and Common Terns were still noted along with a few each of Great Crested Grebe, Guillemot and Common Scoter and a late summer plumaged Red-throated Diver and 7 Swallows flew 'in off'.
A single Skylark passed overhead calling and at least three Rock Pipits (all unringed) were present and a Wheatear appeared at the South End as observers left the island. Five Grey Herons had obviously been roosting on Middle and a single Little Egret again appeared in the gutter on the Ebb although this bird was unringed.
Members and friends present today included long-time member Brian Henshaw with partner Kim and baby Simon visiting from Ontario, Canada.
(BH+2, NDW, SRW, TGW) [879-43] Photos to follow
No comments:
Post a Comment