16th September 2022

Weather: NE force 4,  short heavy showers and sunny later, Lake district visible.

Early in the morning showers from the north made for dramatic weather until the clouds cleared to a sunny but cool day.

A Raven croaked as it flew across the shore to the mainland and shortly afterwards 14 Canada Geese flew inland over the marine lake. Very few waders were in sight at the low tide (only 4 Ringed Plover and 3 Turnstone were seen) but a couple of Grey Plovers by the ridge south of Middle showed well.

The paddocks were devoid of migrants as expected but a little later a Wheatear appeared by the old obs fence.

A total of 6 Swallows floated across the island during the morning and the flocks of Linnets, some on Middle and some on the main island exploded from the bracken occassionly. It is now normal to see many Rock Pipits about the island and today was no exception, while several Robins called, at least one was in song. The Brent that have just arrived a couple of days ago were not in sight despite searching the island until 8 of them appeared late in the morning to the west of the lagoon.

On departing the island a member saw an immatuure Stonechat briefly on Middle Eye. A visiting birder saw an Arctic Skua flying north out to sea. Seven Little Egrets fed around the islands. 

Photos CJ