27th March 2018

Weather:SE  3  poor visibility

Observers arrived on the island in drizzle which soon turned into heavy rain, but the day brightened when the first Wheatear of spring for the island was found on the west side by the light. We have waited so long for the first Wheatear this March there are no apologies for multiple photos of the bird.

Meadow Pipits were moving with 45 noted, over half of them on the smaller two islands, 10 pied wagtail passed overhead but two more were exploring the buildings.

A single chiffchaff was heard and then found in the heli garden.

Also logged were 2 Goldcrest, 12 Linnet, 3 Robin and a female Blackbird.

At least 150 Brent Geese were present along with the 6 Eider, 3 Shelduck were on the east side and a fourth was seen flying west as observers left the islands. To the west a male Goosander was spotted flying towards Point of Ayr and 2 Gannet (first of the year) were feeding in the Swash. As the tide ebbed 345 Curlew were counted around Little Eye.

A Merlin was seen briefly at the North End, flying along the west cliff.

Ringed: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Linnet, 1 Wren     [ 43-10 ]

 photos AS & AEH