Offshore
Early morning observations (0840-0940) produced 51 Red-breasted Merganser, 45 Common Scoter, 23 Kittiwake, 15 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 129 pale-bellied and 58 dark-bellied individuals – the largest gathering ever recorded on the island.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Ringing
January is traditionally a quiet month; however, numbers were boosted by a visit to a private site on the island that produced a number of less frequently caught woodland species. A total of 61 birds of 16 species were ringed during the month – the second highest total ever recorded and only surpassed by 162 in 1979 a year which – unlike 2011 - saw a large cold weather influx of several species, most notably Starling and Greenfinch. Individual species totals were as follows: Long-tailed Tit (13), Blue Tit (9), Great Tit (8), Linnet (8), Greenfinch (3), House Sparrow (3), Song Thrush (3), Dunnock (3), Coal Tit (2), Blackbird (2), Starling (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Redwing (1), Robin (1), Goldfinch (1), Moorhen (1).
Images
Long-tailed Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker
