4th August 2023

Weather:  N

With fairly strong north west winds blowing for several days hopes were high for a good sea watch. As it was the sea was very quiet with only singe Arctic Skuas, Common Scoter and Gannet being seen. Highlight was juvenile Shag that drifted down the east side in front  of the obs as the tide flooded. Wader numbers are increasing with good numbers of Ringed Plover and Turnstone being seen. A single Whimbrel was also present and four summer plumage Knot graced the wader roost on Middle Eye. A real surprise was a juvenile Ringed Plover caught in a spring trap baited with a mealworm set for Rock Pipits! This is the 1st Ringed Plover ringed since 2014 for the obs and was aged as juvenile (Euring3) and biometrics suggest it was a British fledged youngster.

 

Three more Rock Pipits were caught and fitted with individually lettered darvic rings as a part of the project on this species.

A female Kestrel spent most of the day hunting on the west side and unfortunately seemed to be predating recently fledged Meadow Pipits as she was seen catching at least two and kept returning to the same place.

  Photos PSW