24th March 2026

 Weather: WSW force 6/7      N 7/8 early afternoon

 The weather forecast was heavy rain today with strong winds later but the weather station at the obs was showing it was gusting to gale force before noon and indeed it was stronger later.

The weather defined the sort of bird sightings with the only land migrants being a few dozen Meadow Pipits in off the sea, 2 Wagtails (a Pied and a White) and 2 Woodpigeons flying high to the west. The usual Oystercatcher roost at the north end of Middle was very disturbed by the very strong wind blowing across and many were seeking alternative resting places. 

Curlews (225 counted) were likewise unsure of their usual places to rest.

The tide is still fairly high at the moment so few waders were able to be counted but 82 Turnstone, 62 Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 6 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Grey Plover were around the main island at high tide. 

 

 

Eighty five Shelduck were by Tanskey rocks, 385 Common Scoter were out to sea while a single Gannet was noted, also 3 Great Crested Grebes and a male Red-breasted Merganser. Mostly closer in was the female Eider.

  and our famous Scaup with a companion drake Scoter.

There were no Grey Herons logged but 3 Little Egrets were on the shore.

 

The wind increased even further in the late afternoon especially as the heavy rain showers arrived.

 

 

 

  

 Photos SRW