Goosander surprise

4th May 2014 – overcast/drizzle at times SE3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 102 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 7 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Manx Shearwater while later sightings (1300-1345) added a further 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was again the pick of the grounded birds which also included 20 Wheatear and small numbers of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 5 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied birds and waders included 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Grey Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel. A flock of 6 Goosander drifting in with the tide was a surprise.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of Lapwing chicks have now started to appear.