Grounded Migrants
Just how many Woodcock have passed through the island during this spell of cold weather can only be speculated but a Hen Harrier flushed 4 from a small area in 10 minutes and 2 additional birds were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 113 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese remain but just 2 Greenshank were found.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to be prevalent with 3 Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all logged. A total of 182 Twite were seen.
Ringing
The Twite flock again held birds previously ringed at Heysham (2), Duddon Estuary (2) and Machrihanish.
Images
Dawn breaks over the island and Golden Plover struggle to survive the frost and snow
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.
