Wednesday, 23 October 2024

23rd October 2024

 Weather: SE force 2/3

A few good birds this morning and some decent visible migration. The day started well with a Merlin on Little Eye, 

 A Snipe was put up from the reef and upon arrival on the main island there was a brief sighting of Barn Owl again, possibly the same bird as a week ago.

 Our second record this autumn of Great White Egret was then spotted flying west towards Wales.

 

Six Bar-tailed Godwit roosted on Middle and our first returning Purple Sandpiper that is probably here for the winter was at the North End.

 Other waders included 6 Golden Plover, 380 Knot, 150 Turnstone and 300 Sanderling.

A surprise was a very late Willow Warbler heard singing in the Old Obs garden then later around the paddocks. More expected arrivals and passage birds at this time were 12 Skylarks, 3 Jackdaws flying south east, a few Robins and Wrens, 50 Meadow Pipits, a Starling, a Reed Bunting, 25 Linnets, 15 Goldfinches, 5 Siskins and 3 Chafficnhes.

 Wildfowl featured 330 Brent, 65 Shelduck, 3 female Eider, 40 Pink-footed Geese going by and 2 Teal visiting the island. On the sea were 90 Scoter, a single Gannet and 3 Guillemots. Also around the island were 8 Little Egrets 4 Grey Herons, a Shag and the Kestrel.

 

 

Photos AS, SRW

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