15th October 2021

 Weather: NE force 4, decreasing ESE 2  mostly sunny

A cold front passing south during the night brought in another influx of Brent, now counted as 241 plus 1 dark-bellied this morning. Among them was a colour ringed bird ringed in Iceland and first seen here in November 2016. With the large number of winter birds present it seemed odd when a late Wheatear was found perched on the fence around the top paddock.

Another summer visitor made a late appearance when a Swallow flew low in off the north end and south down the island. Skylarks came through in small but steady numbers totalling 38, and a couple of Grey Wagtails called as they passed, while 3 Pied Wagtails were down on the ground.  A small passage of Meadow Pipits also continued during the morning. Later 2 Reed Buntings were recorded and a Raven was south of Middle island. The very low tide today did not give rise to large gatherings of waders, although 200 Sanderling, 65 Redshank, and a 100 Curlew.

After double figures recently, only 7 Little Egrets today.

Sea birds included 35 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Divers (mostly in the afternoon), 2 Guillemots and 3 Great Crested Grebes and 3 Harbour Porpoises showed during the watch. The sunshine encouraged 2 Red Admirals to fly. The Barn Owl was out and about again last night as witnessed by those up before daybreak.

 Photo CJ, SRW