22nd March 2023

 Weather: SW force 4, SW 6/7 by noon

 A good day considering the weather conditions started with 2 Canada Geese flying east and another 5 later, followed by 8 Eider (2 males). It was a very big tide this morning, Little Eye almost disappearing from view at high tide.

 Many of the 3,000 Dunlin seen roosted on the island, giving good views for observers,

 

 

 Other waders included 105 Grey Plover, 70 Sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 150 Turnstone and 7 Purple Sandpiper. The star wader however was a Golden Plover, a summer plumaged individual flying south. On the sea were 4 Red-throated Divers, a Gannet flying west and 14 Great Crested Grebes, some in summer plumage.

 As normal some of the Grey Seals came near the island with curiosity.

 There were a small number of migrants encouraged here by the south westerly, including 3 Goldfinch, a Chafffinch, 6 Pied Wagtails, 3 Woodpigeons and a Reed Bunting but chief amongst these was a male Wheatear which became ringed.

The pleasent dry weather meant some repairs were managed to the traps etc. and also scanning the sky for Alpine Swift, unfortunately none were seen despite several sightings in the area today.

  One of the many Rock Pipits now staying on the island was ringed today.

 

Photos CJW, PSW, SRW