Sunday 18 September 2016

18th September 2016

Weather SSE force 2/3

A beautiful warm and sunny September's morning greeted observers who stayed over the tide for the regular WeBs count. Despite the clear conditions it became clear that a few birds had dropped in to the island with Robins heard ‘ticking’ from the Obs balcony and a Goldcrest present in the Obs garden. Surprise of the day was a juvenile Swallow that flew into the obs and was caught by hand for ringing! (below, PSW)
The heat haze didn’t help with with observations but as the cloud cover increased later in the afternoon huge numbers of Common Scoter were seen out towards the wind farms. A conservative estimate of 4-5000 birds was made with many being invisible on the sea. Two Guillemots and a Razorbill were also picked out with the Guillemots drifting close by the north end. Good numbers of waders roosted on Middle Eye but were disturbed on several occasions by sea kayakers. Star bird was a single male Ruff picked out in flight in with a small flock of Whimbrel but it couldn’t be picked out on Middle Eye where it appeared to land. The warm weather meant a few late butterflies were on the wing with Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Small White all being recorded.
Ringed: 3 Robins, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Linnet. 1 Swallow            [ 383-28 ]
 

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