17th April 2012 – overcast then sunny spells WSW4/5
Offshore
The day dawned to overcast skies and a fresh westerly wind following heavy overnight rain and morning observations (0830-1100) were highlighted by a Great Skua, 2 adult Little Gull, 3 dark phase Arctic Skua and a Puffin. Also seen were 18 Manx Shearwater and 12 Arctic Tern – both the first of the year, amongst 230 Kittiwake, 150 Razorbill, 120 Sandwich Tern, 115 Common Scoter, 110 Gannet, 100 Guillemot, 23 Fulmar, 11 Red-throated Diver, 7 Common Gull and 2 Teal.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of many new arrivals although a Fieldfare was amongst a few Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 50 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and a flock of 1000 Knot were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow provided a further highlight of an excellent day which ended with a Short-eared Owl hunting over the island at dusk.
Ringing
The remains of a Whooper Swan found in a field at Biggar on 16th January 2012 had been ringed as a cygnet at Lake Brunnvatn, ICELAND (1440km NW) on 3rd August 2010.
