Northbound movement begins in earnest

31st January 2010 – bright and frosty N1/2
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit was amongst 30 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
There was further evidence of northward movement (0830-0930 & 1530-1630) with 140 Razorbill, 53 Common Scoter, 48 Red-throated Diver, 39 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Shag, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Goldeneye logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were again seen with 12 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 780 Pink-footed Geese were logged in 6 northbound skeins
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 31 pale-bellied birds, the 2 Scaup remain and waders included 10 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank and single Jack Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous

A total of 12 Little Egret were seen and a Merlin hunted over the salt marshes. A Grey Wagtail was an unusual winter record for the island