29th December 2010 – overcast/drizzle ESE1/2
Rarities
The rapid thaw sees the recently frozen fields now waterlogged and a Water Pipit took advantage of the conditions to once again feed in the horse paddocks around Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Woodcock remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2500 Knot and 2 Greenshank while 8 Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to remain prominent with Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Kestrel all seen. At least 5 Little Egret have survived the freeze and 95 Twite were logged.
Ringing
The flock of Twite held birds previously ringed at Machrihanish and Heysham.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
