17th April 2022

 Weather: ESE force 2/3

An short visit pre-tide saw up to a dozen Willow Warblers passing through and up to a total of 18 Redpolls landing in the paddocks, giving an opportunity to admire the variation in plumage, odd birds showing some characteristics of Common Redpoll.

Calling overhead were 3 Tree Pipits, the first this year for the obs, and about 30 Goldfinches present during the period members were on the island.

Eight Wheatears passed through, most staying only briefly, as did 2 Sand Martins and 2 Swallows. Two House Sparrows provided interest for a while after they arrived.

There was just one group of Pink-footed Geese moving north this morning, with 25 birds. Other birds making the daysheet included a Woodpigeon sitting on the shore halfway to the islands, a Greylag Goose flying around Middle, and 8 Jackdaws flying south. The sole sea bird of note was a Red-throated Diver flying south down the Dee off the west side. No Brent were seen this morning, we will look out for later stragglers in the days to come.

Photos AEH , CJ