7th January 2011 –overcast/snow E2/3
Grounded Migrants
A heavy overnight frost and early morning snowfall saw a small Blackbird and Song Thrush influx amongst 20 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Purple Sandpiper were seen amongst the usual species along the maritime shore.
Miscellaneous
A small covey of 4 Grey Partridge was the most unexpected sighting of the day – this species has become an increasingly scarce sight on the island in recent years. A Peregrine was the pick of the raptors.
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.
