29th April 2024

 Weather: SE force 4 increasing 5 by midday.

A touch of south in the wind and about 400 Pink-footed Geese set off north, but later than usual, more towards mid-morning.

A lone Brent fed on the whaleback and 3 Canada Geese flew in, 8 Shelduck and a Common Scoter were noted and the full team of 9 Eiders were at the north end. Highlight of the waders was a Common Sandpiper, the first here this year. It was on the rocks by the shore off the south west corner.

 

There were more Whimbrel (23) than Curlew (8) about today, 

 

There is still a large contingent of Knot and Dunlin in the Dee, about 5,000 Knot and 600 Dunlin showing themselves today.

Amongst the 600 Dunlin, one was seen with a metal and colour ring, information already received say that it was ringed at Ynyslas, Wales on 21st September 2021.

 

Six Bar-tailed Godwit flew in.

A passage of several species took place this morning, nothing massive but a nice trickle through. Hirundines did well, over 40 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins and 6 House Martins. A Yellow Wagtail flew south over the island, while 3 White and 3 Pied Wagtails passed by. The 'resident' Whitethroat was still about but 2 new birds arrived, 1 became ringed this morning.

Quite a few Crows flapped passed the island, at least 14. About 6 Greenland Wheatears landed this morning (2 on Middle). Willow Warblers numbered about 10, a single Siskin and 8 Goldfinches and 8 Redpolls (one was ringed today).

On the sea were 8 Gannets and 42 Sandwich Terns. A Harbour Porpoise added to the list of recent records as it swam off the north west corner of the island.

Ringed: 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Linnet.

Photos SRW