31st March 2009 - overcast then sunny SW1
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were in flooded fields along Biggar Bank early morning along with 10 Meadow Pipit and 2 Rock Pipit - the latter showing the characteristics associated with the race littoralis.
Offshore
Observations over calm seas (0845-0945 & 1045-1115) produced 22 Little Gulls along with a supporting cast of 85 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver and 6 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The female Black Redstart remained in residence and there was little evidence to support the presence of newly arrived birds with just 8 Goldcrest, 15 Wheatear, 5 Blackbird and 3 Robin logged.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Meadow Pipit through the morning included the first 2 Swallow of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup and 2 Gadwall were logged.
Mammals
The calm seas revealed a single Harbour Porpoise.
Butterflies
The first Small White was on the wing.
Water Pipits remain and Black Redstart arrives
30th March 2009 - early drizzle/mist then overcast SW2/3
Rarities
Three Water Pipits were again in the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
A female Black Redstart was newly arrived but despite the promising conditions early morning additional sightings were limited to 8 Goldcrest, 7 Wheatear, 6 Redwing and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again scant reward with just 10 Meadow Pipit, 3 Jackdaw and single Greenfinch and Chaffinch moving through as the skies cleared.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret continue to be logged.
Butterflies
The first Green-veined White are now on the wing.
Rarities
Three Water Pipits were again in the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
A female Black Redstart was newly arrived but despite the promising conditions early morning additional sightings were limited to 8 Goldcrest, 7 Wheatear, 6 Redwing and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again scant reward with just 10 Meadow Pipit, 3 Jackdaw and single Greenfinch and Chaffinch moving through as the skies cleared.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret continue to be logged.
Butterflies
The first Green-veined White are now on the wing.
Still at least one Water Pipit!
29th March 2009 - bright and sunny/early frost SW1/2
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit continues to frequent the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
A quieter morning (0815-0915) produced just 8 Red-throated Diver, 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear and a solitary Goldcrest were candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings involved 210 Meadow Pipit, 29 Whooper Swan, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Linnet and a single Sand Martin.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain and 2 Little Owl were seen.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit continues to frequent the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
A quieter morning (0815-0915) produced just 8 Red-throated Diver, 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear and a solitary Goldcrest were candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings involved 210 Meadow Pipit, 29 Whooper Swan, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Linnet and a single Sand Martin.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain and 2 Little Owl were seen.
Little Gulls and Water Pipit
28th March 2009 - sunny spells N5/4/3
Rarities
A single Water Pipit was again in the flooded cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank, loosely associating with a single Rock Pipit and 10 Meadow Pipit.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0815-0930) were dominated by 70 Little Gulls (flocks of 30 & 40) heading slowly north into the wind. Also seen were 27 Razorbill, 12 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 Pintail, 2 Kittiwake and a solitary Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Meagre rations with just 4 Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff considered to be newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 Meadow Pipit trickled north early morning.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain and a Short-eared Owl hunted at dusk.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit was again in the flooded cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank, loosely associating with a single Rock Pipit and 10 Meadow Pipit.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0815-0930) were dominated by 70 Little Gulls (flocks of 30 & 40) heading slowly north into the wind. Also seen were 27 Razorbill, 12 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 Pintail, 2 Kittiwake and a solitary Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Meagre rations with just 4 Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff considered to be newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 Meadow Pipit trickled north early morning.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain and a Short-eared Owl hunted at dusk.
Water Pipit again
27th March 2009 - sunny spells W5/6
Rarities
A Water Pipit was again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank and was associating with a single Rock Pipit.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 20 Gannet, 16 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Fulmar and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 4 Scaup remain and waders included 2000 Knot, 140 Sanderling, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Rarities
A Water Pipit was again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank and was associating with a single Rock Pipit.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 20 Gannet, 16 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Fulmar and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 4 Scaup remain and waders included 2000 Knot, 140 Sanderling, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Not a day for passerines
25th March 2009 - sunshine and showers NW4/5
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 6 Scaup, 2 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler while 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain and a Little Owl was seen.
Moths
The first Hebrew Character was recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 6 Scaup, 2 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler while 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain and a Little Owl was seen.
Moths
The first Hebrew Character was recorded.
Seabird numbers begin to build
24th March 2009 - sunny spells rain by evening NW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 135 Razorbill, 41 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 26 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Sandwich Tern, 3 Fulmar, 2 Guillemot and a Kittiwake as northerly passage begins to kick in.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 135 Razorbill, 41 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 26 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Sandwich Tern, 3 Fulmar, 2 Guillemot and a Kittiwake as northerly passage begins to kick in.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain.
First Fulmar appears offshore
23rd March 2009 - overcast then sunny NW5/6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced the first Fulmar of the year along with 52 Common Scoter, 20 Razorbill, 18 Kittiwake, 16 Gannet, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Guillemot and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced the first Fulmar of the year along with 52 Common Scoter, 20 Razorbill, 18 Kittiwake, 16 Gannet, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Guillemot and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain.
First Sandwich Terns appear offshore
22nd March 2009 - sunny spells W4/5
Offshore
The gloom and murk of recent days finally lifted to reveal the first 9 Sandwich Tern of the year. Also seen early morning (0730-0900) were 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Gannet, 10 Kittiwake, 10 Razorbill, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Very thin on the ground today with just single Wheatear and Goldcrest logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 14 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
At least five Little Egret remain and Merlin and 2 Little Owl were logged. However, surprise of the day involved a Tawny Owl - a rare visitant to the island.
Offshore
The gloom and murk of recent days finally lifted to reveal the first 9 Sandwich Tern of the year. Also seen early morning (0730-0900) were 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Gannet, 10 Kittiwake, 10 Razorbill, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Very thin on the ground today with just single Wheatear and Goldcrest logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 14 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
At least five Little Egret remain and Merlin and 2 Little Owl were logged. However, surprise of the day involved a Tawny Owl - a rare visitant to the island.
Further low key migration
21st March 2009 - mist/fog WNW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
Rather disappointing considering the weather conditions looked suitable for a fall to have occurred. Just 14 Goldcrest, 6 Wheatear, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Blackbird and single Redwing, Chiffchaff and Greenfinch were candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Little evidence of any concerted movement with just 20 Meadow Pipit, 4 Jackdaw, 3 Linnet and a Greenfinch seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 5 Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret and 2 Merlin were seen and a Barn Owl hunted over the island early morning.
Moths
The first moths of the year finally appeared in the moth trap with an Early Grey and the earliest ever Common Quaker recorded.
Images
Early Grey, Common Quaker and Merlin.
Slow but steady
20th March 2009 - overcast/murky SE3
Offshore
Staring into the early morning gloom (0830-0900) produced 14 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet, 2 Shelduck and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of migrants included 12 Wheatear, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again little reward with just 30 Meadow Pipit and a single Pied Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Just 3 Little Egret were seen but the current low tides mean that the birds are not being pushed out of the multitude of tidal creeks along the eastern shore of the island.
Offshore
Staring into the early morning gloom (0830-0900) produced 14 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet, 2 Shelduck and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of migrants included 12 Wheatear, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again little reward with just 30 Meadow Pipit and a single Pied Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Just 3 Little Egret were seen but the current low tides mean that the birds are not being pushed out of the multitude of tidal creeks along the eastern shore of the island.
More Whooper Swans and first Siskin
19th March 2009 - hazy sun E2/1
Grounded Migrants
An increase in sightings was evident with 26 Goldcrest, 14 Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Greenfinch and 3 Robin amongst the new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move with a skein of 95 Pink-footed Geese and a herd of 40 Whooper Swan logged. Also seen were 120 Meadow Pipit, 6 Jackdaw, 6 Pied Wagtail and single Sand Martin, Siskin, Greenfinch and Rook.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were seen and single Merlin and Little Owl and 2 Long-tailed Tit were logged.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in sightings was evident with 26 Goldcrest, 14 Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Greenfinch and 3 Robin amongst the new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move with a skein of 95 Pink-footed Geese and a herd of 40 Whooper Swan logged. Also seen were 120 Meadow Pipit, 6 Jackdaw, 6 Pied Wagtail and single Sand Martin, Siskin, Greenfinch and Rook.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were seen and single Merlin and Little Owl and 2 Long-tailed Tit were logged.
Slow pace migration
18th March 2009 - murky start then hazy sun SE2
Grounded Migrants
Despite the promising weather conditions early morning a quieter day than of late with 16 Pied Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch and a Greenfinch the only evidence of new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 30 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Gadwall (3 drakes and a duck) were logged.
Miscellaneous
A male Merlin hunted newly arriving Meadow Pipits.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the promising weather conditions early morning a quieter day than of late with 16 Pied Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch and a Greenfinch the only evidence of new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 30 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Gadwall (3 drakes and a duck) were logged.
Miscellaneous
A male Merlin hunted newly arriving Meadow Pipits.
Whooper Swans on the move
17th March 2009 - bright and sunny E3
Offshore
The only sighting of note involved 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Another small fall included 16 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 5 Robin and 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 23 Whooper Swan flew through to provide the day's highlight, however, morning sightings were dominated by a northerly movement of 320 Meadow Pipit and 30 Pied Wagtail. Also seen were a motley crew of 4 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch and single Greenfinch, Grey Wagtail, Rook and Pink-footed Goose.
Miscellaneous
At lease 3 Little Egret were seen and a Red-legged Partridge was singing.
Butterflies
The first Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing.
Offshore
The only sighting of note involved 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Another small fall included 16 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 5 Robin and 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 23 Whooper Swan flew through to provide the day's highlight, however, morning sightings were dominated by a northerly movement of 320 Meadow Pipit and 30 Pied Wagtail. Also seen were a motley crew of 4 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch and single Greenfinch, Grey Wagtail, Rook and Pink-footed Goose.
Miscellaneous
At lease 3 Little Egret were seen and a Red-legged Partridge was singing.
Butterflies
The first Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing.
Stock Dove surprise as migration kicks in
16th March 2009 - sunny spells SW2/3
Offshore
Still quiet over the sea, early morning observations (0800-0900) produced just 6 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall of 20 Goldcrest included 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Robin while 6 Stonechat perhaps involved passage birds.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove was a surprise, sightings have been in decline since the 1990's, also seen were 65 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Linnet.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and 2 Little Owl and a Peregrine were logged.
Offshore
Still quiet over the sea, early morning observations (0800-0900) produced just 6 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall of 20 Goldcrest included 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Robin while 6 Stonechat perhaps involved passage birds.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove was a surprise, sightings have been in decline since the 1990's, also seen were 65 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Linnet.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and 2 Little Owl and a Peregrine were logged.
First Wheatear and Sand Martin arrive
15th March 2009 - hazy sun/calm
Offshore
Little activity over the sea with just 6 Common Scoter and 4 Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included the first Wheatear of the year along with 6 Greenfinch, 2 Fieldfare and single Goldcrest and Chaffinch.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of activity through the morning produced 80 Meadow Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch and the first Sand Martin of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included 5450 Knot, 75 Snipe, 8 Greenshank, 6 Scaup, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 60 Twite put in another appearance and Merlin, Little Owl and Little Egret were logged.
Offshore
Little activity over the sea with just 6 Common Scoter and 4 Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included the first Wheatear of the year along with 6 Greenfinch, 2 Fieldfare and single Goldcrest and Chaffinch.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of activity through the morning produced 80 Meadow Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch and the first Sand Martin of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included 5450 Knot, 75 Snipe, 8 Greenshank, 6 Scaup, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 60 Twite put in another appearance and Merlin, Little Owl and Little Egret were logged.
Water Pipits remain
14th March 2009 - hazy sun SW5/6
Rarities
Four Water Pipits were again feeding in the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank. A total of 21 Rock Pipit, several of which were showing the characteristics associated with the Scandinavian race littoralis were feeding alongside to allow for excellent comparison of all the salient featutres.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced a few more sightings than of late with 29 Kittiwake, 24 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 3 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe and Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 103 pale-bellied birds and other sightings included 20 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain in the area and single Merlin and Little Owl were logged.
Mammals
Both Weasel and Stoat were seen.
Rarities
Four Water Pipits were again feeding in the flooded horse paddocks and cattle fields along Biggar Bank. A total of 21 Rock Pipit, several of which were showing the characteristics associated with the Scandinavian race littoralis were feeding alongside to allow for excellent comparison of all the salient featutres.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced a few more sightings than of late with 29 Kittiwake, 24 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 3 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe and Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 103 pale-bellied birds and other sightings included 20 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain in the area and single Merlin and Little Owl were logged.
Mammals
Both Weasel and Stoat were seen.
Water Pipits reappear and first Chiffchaff arrives
11th March 2009 - overcast/some drizzle/calm
Rarities
At least two Water Pipit and 8 Rock Pipit were amongst good numbers of Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Reed Bunting in the waterlogged cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Two Shag were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Aquiet day on the land with a newly arrived Chifchaff the only bird of note.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl and Little Owl and 2 Little Egret were logged.
Rarities
At least two Water Pipit and 8 Rock Pipit were amongst good numbers of Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Reed Bunting in the waterlogged cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Two Shag were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Aquiet day on the land with a newly arrived Chifchaff the only bird of note.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl and Little Owl and 2 Little Egret were logged.
Again little of note
8th March 2009 - overcast/rain/hail/snow SW4/5/6
Offshore
Morning observations proved disaapointing considering the weater conditions with just 34 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 101 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret and Peregrine were the only other birds of note.
Offshore
Morning observations proved disaapointing considering the weater conditions with just 34 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 101 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret and Peregrine were the only other birds of note.
Very little activity and then it rained
7th March 2009 - overcast rain soon SW3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) continue to produce little reward with just 2 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Today's Brent Goose record involved 50 dark-bellied birds and a flock 3000 Knot were logged.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were the only other records of note.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) continue to produce little reward with just 2 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Today's Brent Goose record involved 50 dark-bellied birds and a flock 3000 Knot were logged.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were the only other records of note.
Tree Sparrow new for the year
6th March 2009 - sunny spells SW1/2
Offshore
Again mind numbingly quiet offshore with observations (0930-1030) producing just 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Tree Sparrow was newly arrived - although a regular autumn passage migrant spring birds are rare on the island.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain.
Offshore
Again mind numbingly quiet offshore with observations (0930-1030) producing just 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Tree Sparrow was newly arrived - although a regular autumn passage migrant spring birds are rare on the island.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain.
Scaup influx
5th March 2009 - early frost/calm
Offshore
Despite the calm conditions a cursory check over the sea yielded just 2 Common Scoter and a single Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds and other sightings included 11 Shoveler, 6 Scaup, 4 Gadwall and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Little Owl were seen along with single Peregrine and Little Egret.
Mammals
Both Stoat and Hare were logged.
Offshore
Despite the calm conditions a cursory check over the sea yielded just 2 Common Scoter and a single Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds and other sightings included 11 Shoveler, 6 Scaup, 4 Gadwall and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Little Owl were seen along with single Peregrine and Little Egret.
Mammals
Both Stoat and Hare were logged.
Kitiwakes on the move
4th March 2009 - snow showers SW2/1
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided more reward than of late with 71 Kittiwake in four high-flying groups heading into the bay along with 8 Razorbill, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and a Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Geese involved 45 dark-bellied and 40 pale-bellied birds. Also seen were 4 Shoveler, 3 Scaup, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 80 Twite put in an appearance and 3 Little Egret and a Little Owl were seen.
Mammals
Two "Mad March Hares" were boxing for much of the morning.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided more reward than of late with 71 Kittiwake in four high-flying groups heading into the bay along with 8 Razorbill, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and a Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Geese involved 45 dark-bellied and 40 pale-bellied birds. Also seen were 4 Shoveler, 3 Scaup, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 80 Twite put in an appearance and 3 Little Egret and a Little Owl were seen.
Mammals
Two "Mad March Hares" were boxing for much of the morning.
Water Pipit still
3rd March 2009 - overcast/rain soon SW3/4
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit remains in the waterlogged fields along Biggar Bank but the birds are becoming more elusive as they retreat back into the salt marshes on the low tides.
Offshore
Little activity over the sea (0830-0930) with a handful of Common Scoter and a single Gannet the only notable sightings.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Egret were logged.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit remains in the waterlogged fields along Biggar Bank but the birds are becoming more elusive as they retreat back into the salt marshes on the low tides.
Offshore
Little activity over the sea (0830-0930) with a handful of Common Scoter and a single Gannet the only notable sightings.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Egret were logged.
At least one Water Pipit still present
2nd March 2009 - overcast/rain soon SW3/4
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit was amongst 30 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit and 10 Skylark feeding in the flooded cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Still quiet over the sea with observations (0830-0930) providing just 10 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and single Gannet and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Stonechat are more prominent than of late suggesting an influx and small numbers of Chaffinch and Greenfinch and a single Great Tit were new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 85 pale-bellied birds and waders included 12 Purple Sandpiper.
Image
Today's Water Pipit - record shot in poor weather.
Water Pipits remain
1st March 2009 - rain then showers SW2/3
Rarities
At least 3 Water Pipits remained in the flooded cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank feeding amongst 15 Rock Pipit and 35 Meadow Pipit.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea, observations on the rising tide (1115-1215) produced 31 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Razorbill, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Three Redwing and 2 Fieldfare were newly arrived along with small numbers of Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 115 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were seen and 3 Little Egret were logged.
Images
Two of the Water Pipits seen today with a Rock Pipit (top) for comparison, the damned fence kept getting in the way!
Rarities
At least 3 Water Pipits remained in the flooded cattle fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank feeding amongst 15 Rock Pipit and 35 Meadow Pipit.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea, observations on the rising tide (1115-1215) produced 31 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Razorbill, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Three Redwing and 2 Fieldfare were newly arrived along with small numbers of Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 115 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were seen and 3 Little Egret were logged.
Images
Two of the Water Pipits seen today with a Rock Pipit (top) for comparison, the damned fence kept getting in the way!
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