29th October 2019

Weather  E force 1, increasing 3 later
At first light Blackbirds (14) and Redwings (16) were around the island, although the Redwings called passing over they did not linger, the Blackbirds continued to be present with a few more arriving all morning. Four Goldcrests were about but also soon disappeared, and then a flock of 9 Long-tailed Tits briefly dropped into the paddocks, leaving one behind to be ringed. Finches were also moving this morning, 4 Chaffinches and 6 Siskins were recorded and a trio of Greenfinches paused briefly in the obs garden before heading towards Red Rocks. A couple of Starlings and several Skylarks passed through and Wrens (10) were again in good numbers. A Raven flew low over the island, and then early afternoon 2 Ravens came down, one landing on the lookout ladder, the best vantage point now that the mast has gone.

One of the best sightings today were 3 Snow Buntings flying over the obs heading towards the east, however the one that has been at Little Eye was not there just after the tide at least.
A skein of 70 Pink-footed Geese went north out of the estuary late morning, however the Brent were missing before the very high tide today, and the only duck were 4 Wigeon that flew down the west side at the north end. The roost on Middle at the massive high tide held 7,000 Oystercatchers and 140 Curlew, other wader counts were 48 Bar-tailed Godwit, 35 Sanderling, 40 Knot, 28 Ringed Plover and 2 Grey Plover.

A sea watch was productive despite the easterly wind, noted were 12 Red-throated Divers, 23 Great Crested Grebes, and 52 Common Scoter.
A few Red Admirals braved the cold to fly in the sunshine. The Magpie still survives

Ringed: 8 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Dunnock, 1 Long-tailed Tit      [ 762-36 ]
photo CJ, AS