24th December 2010 – bright and frosty/lying snow N1
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Skylark, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Linnet was apparent and further refugees from the continued severe weather involved 6 Fieldfare, 3 Brambling, 2 Woodcock and a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 125 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese attracted a dark-bellied Brent Goose. A female Scaup and 2 Pochard were newly arrived and 100 Pintail were among1650 Wigeon. A total of 10 Greenshank were found amongst 370 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 160 Twite remain and raptors included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl and a Common Buzzard. No Little Egret were seen over the high tide period for the first time since early autumn - perhaps they have all now departed for warmer climes.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing severe freeze is now beginning to have a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
