5th November 2014

Weather: NE force 4/5
A Fox was disturbed first thing this morning in one of the bungalow gardens, further evidence of a secretive presence on the island. Best bird of the day was a Shoveler that flew south, an uncommon visitor to the islands. Six Goldfinches came down in the obs garden, probably attracted by the feeders. The early high tide saw 160 Turnstones and 68 Redshanks roosting in Niffy bay. Sea birds logged included 1 Red-throated Diver, 12 Great Crested Grebes and 10 Guillemots. Three hundred Sanderling were on the east hoyle. The mild conditions of this autumn means that some Thrift is still flowering.
(DB)