8th March 2015

Wind WSW turning to WNW later. Heavy rain but sunny later.

Today was Web’s count day and although initially  wet and windy the forecasters got it right as the weather cleared around midday. There was plenty of activity on the sea with thousands of Common Scoter flying around in small groups. Highlights for the WeB’s count were 2 pairs of  Red-breasted merganser, a flock of 8 Goldeneye (2 males & 6 females) and a small party of 3 Scaup  (2 males & 1 female). A single Red-throated Diver was recorded. There was a decrease in wader numbers seen around the islands but 12 Purple Sandpipers roosted above the tide gauge (below). Around high tide an increase in Robin numbers was noted and 4 were eventually caught and ringed along with a female Blackbird. 

The female Stonechat (above) ringed yesterday was still on the island and as the sun came out showed well in the paddock adjacent to the Newton. Meadow Pipits are starting their territorial flight displays and the local Dunnock’s were also singing.

Ringed: 4 Robins, 1 Blackbird (right) [ 8-4 ]
(PSW)     photos  PSW