Blizzard of Snow Buntings

25th February 2014 – sunny spells and showers S3/4
Offshore
A check offshore on the evening tide revealed a flock of 11 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of seven Snow Bunting was located and single Stonechat and Grey Wagtail were perhaps a hint of spring.
Wildfowl and Waders
The single Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
A check along a section of the island’s tideline revealed that seabirds suffered in the recent succession of winter storms with 30 Razorbill, 21 Guillemot and 7 Kittiwake found.

Black Brant

22nd February 2014 – sunny spells SW6
Rarities
The Black Brant wandered into the recording area with 60 dark-bellied and single pale-bellied birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain and waders included 10000 Knot and 55 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 20 Little Egret continue in residence.

Yellowhammer surprise

16th February 2014 – bright and sunny W4/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0810-0910) proved disappointing with just 12 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 163 pale-bellied birds and waders included 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was logged and passerines included a Yellowhammer amongst 45 Reed Bunting, 36 Rock Pipit and single Mistle Thrush and Grey Wagtail.

Long-tailed Duck remains

15th February 2014 – overcast/rain W6
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held up to 155 pale-bellied birds and the Long-tailed Duck remains in residence. Waders included 2700 Knot, 2720 Dunlin and 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted 40 Twite.

Black Brant reappears

9th February 2014 – overcast/showers SW5/6
Rarities
The Black Brant put in another appearance amongst 50 dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 115 Kittiwake, 12 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver and 2 Little Gulls.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain and 4 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 24 Little Egrets remain along the eastern shore.

More of the same

8th February 2014 – overcast/showers SE4/5/6/7
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 42 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Gulls and a Great Northern Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain and 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to perform along the eastern shore.

Deja vu

5th February 2014 – overcast/showers SE4/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (1000-1100) produced a first-winter Glaucous Gull, 4 Little Gulls and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 154 pale-bellied individuals while 34 Pintail were logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to perform along the eastern shore and a Barn Owl again hunted at dusk.

More Little Gulls

4th February 2014 – sunny spells SE4/5
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed 2 Little Gulls heading south.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 150 pale-bellied individuals and the Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain.
Mammals
Two Otters were seen early morning.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to perform along the eastern shore and a Barn Owl hunted at dusk.

Glaucous and Little Gulls

2nd February 2014 – sunshine and showers S5/6
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1130) were led by a first-winter Glaucous Gull and 7 adult Little Gulls along with 170 Kittiwake, 13 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver and an early Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 150 pale-bellied individuals and 3 Shoveler were seen. Waders included 4000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
At least 25 Little Egret continue to stalk the eastern shore.