8th January 2011 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 12 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Fieldfare provided the only evidence of movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 35 Barnacle Geese remain and Brent Geese included 56 dark-bellied and 7 pale-bellied birds while a Pochard was an unusual island record. Waders included Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Other sightings included 2 Barn Owl, 2 Little Owl and 2 Little Egret.
Ringing
The flocks of Barnacle Geese and Brent Geese continue to hold previously identified darvic ringed individuals.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and although the recent thaw saw an easing of conditions some species are still struggling to survive.
