11th December 2010 – sunny spells W2
Grounded Migrants
The return to mild conditions finally allowed a search of some of the traditional Woodcock haunts on the island – the result, a total of 17 birds indicating that a large influx occurred during the recent severe weather. Singles of Treecreeper and Goldcrest amongst 21 Long-tailed Tits were good winter records and 5 Brambling were found.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 106 pale-bellied birds and 7 first-winter Mute Swan dropped in. Waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper and a Greenshank..
Miscellaneous
Raptors were prominent with 4 Short-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel and single Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Little Owl all hunting over the island.
Moths
The milder conditions saw the emergence of 6 Winter Moths.
