Thursday 18 April 2024

18th April 2024

 Weather: SSE force 1/2  later WSW  6  with rain mid afternoon

A brief spell of a southerly element in the wind meant some obvious migration took place. In the padddocks and gardens were 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs and 3 White Wagtails, 4 Swallows and a Collared Dove came through during the morning. Finches also turned up; in addition to the 6 Goldfinches showing 2 Siskins and a Redpoll flew through. Small bird of the day was a Yellow Wagtail making itself known. A single Wheatear was on the ground. 

 

The lack of strong head winds early this morning encouraged a large movement of 5,800 Pink-footed geese north out of the estuary. 

 

 Other wildfowl included a total of 8 Eiders

  also 5 Canada Geese were in with the Brent in the morning.

Remaining are a single juvenile 1 dark-bellied juvenile and at least 153 pale-bellied Brent.  

Distant views of Common Scoter were estimated at no less than 10,000 birds, closer in 3 Red-throated Divers, 35 Gannets, 4 Guillemots and 2 Great Crested Grebes were logged. Waders featured still 5 Purple Sandpipers present, and 85 Curlews with an increase to 11 Whimbrel today.

There were 7 Little Egrets and 2 Grey Heron.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet.

Photos AS, SRW

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