29th December 2022 – heavy showers W5/6/7
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 3 Kittiwake. A Shag was again along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Little Gull and Great Northern Diver
26th December 2022 – sunny spells W4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) was highlighted by single Little Gull and Great Northern Diver amongst 40 Common Scoter, 17 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 95 Pink-footed Geese remain and a Redwing was new in.
Diurnal Migration
A Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) was highlighted by single Little Gull and Great Northern Diver amongst 40 Common Scoter, 17 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 95 Pink-footed Geese remain and a Redwing was new in.
Diurnal Migration
A Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Water Pipit
24th December 2022 – sunny spells/rain later S3/4
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 24 Rock Pipit in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide.
Offshore
A first-winter drake Scaup and first-winter Shag were off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 95 Pink-footed Geese remain.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Fieldfare flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 24 Rock Pipit in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide.
Offshore
A first-winter drake Scaup and first-winter Shag were off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 95 Pink-footed Geese remain.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Fieldfare flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Wildfowl and Waders
23rd December 2022 – overcast/rain later E4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) revealed 33 Shag, 31 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Razorbill, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of Pink-footed Geese increased to 95 birds.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 850 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl were well represented with single female Scaup and drake Goosander and 6 Shoveler amongst 1359 Teal, 1252 Wigeon, 1075 Pintail, 338 Brent Goose and 249 Shelduck. Waders included 4315 Oystercatcher, 1949 Dunlin, 792 Redshank, 733 Curlew, 284 Lapwing, 227 Turnstone, 176 Snipe, 123 Grey Plover, 11 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains along with 2 hybrid progeny and 2 Peregrine and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) revealed 33 Shag, 31 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Razorbill, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of Pink-footed Geese increased to 95 birds.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 850 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl were well represented with single female Scaup and drake Goosander and 6 Shoveler amongst 1359 Teal, 1252 Wigeon, 1075 Pintail, 338 Brent Goose and 249 Shelduck. Waders included 4315 Oystercatcher, 1949 Dunlin, 792 Redshank, 733 Curlew, 284 Lapwing, 227 Turnstone, 176 Snipe, 123 Grey Plover, 11 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains along with 2 hybrid progeny and 2 Peregrine and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Marsh Harrier surprise
22nd December 2022 – overcast/mizzle/calm
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 21 Pink-footed Geese remain and two Woodcock were further products of the recent cold weather.
Diurnal Migration
A female Marsh Harrier flew northeast at 0930 hrs – the first December record for the island.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup was newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 32 Twite were seen. Single Water Rail and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
The flock of 21 Pink-footed Geese remain and two Woodcock were further products of the recent cold weather.
Diurnal Migration
A female Marsh Harrier flew northeast at 0930 hrs – the first December record for the island.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup was newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 32 Twite were seen. Single Water Rail and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver and late Gannet influx
21st December 2022 – sunny spells SW3/4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) produced 26 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Razorbill. A Great Northern Diver was along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 21 Pink-footed Geese were grounded and a Woodcock was a likely product of the recent cold weather.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Black-tailed Godwit was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 35 Twite were seen.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) produced 26 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Razorbill. A Great Northern Diver was along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 21 Pink-footed Geese were grounded and a Woodcock was a likely product of the recent cold weather.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Black-tailed Godwit was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 35 Twite were seen.
Hooded Crow still in residence
18th December 2022 – cold /murky/showers ESE4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 60 Guillemot, 26 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver and single Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 17 Pink-footed Geese were grounded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 39 Little Egret were seen.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 60 Guillemot, 26 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver and single Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 17 Pink-footed Geese were grounded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 39 Little Egret were seen.
Mediterranean Gull
16th December 2022 – cold and frosty/murky/showers E1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 16 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull. Two Goosander and a Shag were along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Purple Sandpiper was the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 16 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull. Two Goosander and a Shag were along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Purple Sandpiper was the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Kingfisher headlines
15th December 2022 – bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
A Kingfisher and male Goosander along the eastern shore were presumably frozen out of their normal winter haunts.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and 70 Twite were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A Kingfisher and male Goosander along the eastern shore were presumably frozen out of their normal winter haunts.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and 70 Twite were the best of the rest.
Great White Egret
14th December 2022 – bright and frosty N1/2
Rarities
A Great White Egret was on Haws Bed on the rising tide.
Offshore
The Shag continues to reside along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather influx produced 800 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Rarities
A Great White Egret was on Haws Bed on the rising tide.
Offshore
The Shag continues to reside along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather influx produced 800 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Twite and Hooded Crow
13th December 2022 – cold and frosty/calm/murky
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was offshore.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The continued cold weather influx produced 900 Pintail and 9 Shoveler while the Brent Goose flock held 250 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 36 Twite were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was offshore.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The continued cold weather influx produced 900 Pintail and 9 Shoveler while the Brent Goose flock held 250 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 36 Twite were the best of the rest.
Velvet Scoter
11th December 2022 – cold and frosty NNE1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 30 Shag, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Great Crested Grebe and a female Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Song Thrush and single Redwing and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 42 Pink-footed Geese and 5 Whooper Swan moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A cold weather influx produced 800 Pintail and 9 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 2 Water Rail and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 30 Shag, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Great Crested Grebe and a female Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Song Thrush and single Redwing and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 42 Pink-footed Geese and 5 Whooper Swan moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A cold weather influx produced 800 Pintail and 9 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 2 Water Rail and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Record numbers of Pintail
10th December 2022 – cold and frosty/murk with a light dusting of snow NE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Three Goldcrest were perhaps attempting to overwinter – an unusual event on the island.
Diurnal Migration
Seven Whooper Swan moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather influx of Pintail continues to build with a record 1,060 birds logged. A Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 53 Little Egret, 3 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Three Goldcrest were perhaps attempting to overwinter – an unusual event on the island.
Diurnal Migration
Seven Whooper Swan moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather influx of Pintail continues to build with a record 1,060 birds logged. A Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency and 53 Little Egret, 3 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
A cold day
9th December 2022 – cold and frosty V1
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea produced 51 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather has seen an exceptional influx of Pintail with 900 birds logged.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Oystercatcher had been ringed on its breeding grounds in Iceland on 18th June 2015.
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea produced 51 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The cold weather has seen an exceptional influx of Pintail with 900 birds logged.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Oystercatcher had been ringed on its breeding grounds in Iceland on 18th June 2015.
Twite flock continues to build
8th December 2022 – bright and frosty N1
Offshore
A dawn check of the sea revealed 40 Shag, 23 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Razorbill and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A family group of 6 Whooper Swan were grounded and additional wildfowl involved 650 Pintail and 289 light-bellied and 55 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 80 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the Twite flock has increased to 90 birds.
Offshore
A dawn check of the sea revealed 40 Shag, 23 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Razorbill and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A family group of 6 Whooper Swan were grounded and additional wildfowl involved 650 Pintail and 289 light-bellied and 55 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 80 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the Twite flock has increased to 90 birds.
Cetti’s Warbler remains
7th December 2022 – bright and sunny/early frost N1
Rarities
The Cetti’s Warbler remains in residence in the scrub and reeds along the coastal path by the gate on the eastern side of the airfield fence line.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare were grounded early morning.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl was the best of the rest.
Rarities
The Cetti’s Warbler remains in residence in the scrub and reeds along the coastal path by the gate on the eastern side of the airfield fence line.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare were grounded early morning.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl was the best of the rest.
Hooded Crow and Black Guillemot
6th December 2022 – early frost/sunny spells/calm
Offshore
A couple of checks of the sea produced 5800 Eider, 28 Shag, 22 Red-throated Diver, 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Common Scoter, 10 Great Crested Grebe and single Black Guillemot and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes involved single Fieldfare and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 82 Pink-footed Geese, 18 Whooper Swan and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 9 Goldeneye and 2 Shoveler while 9 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A couple of checks of the sea produced 5800 Eider, 28 Shag, 22 Red-throated Diver, 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Common Scoter, 10 Great Crested Grebe and single Black Guillemot and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes involved single Fieldfare and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 82 Pink-footed Geese, 18 Whooper Swan and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 9 Goldeneye and 2 Shoveler while 9 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
More winter fare
5th December 2022 – sun and showers NE2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 105 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 8 Razorbill, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Guillemot. The Shag remains along the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 12 Whooper Swan and 4 Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 375 light-bellied and 23 dark-bellied birds, an exceptional 490 Pintail were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Dundrum Bay, Northern Ireland on 31st January 2017 has returned for another winter.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 105 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 8 Razorbill, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Guillemot. The Shag remains along the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 12 Whooper Swan and 4 Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 375 light-bellied and 23 dark-bellied birds, an exceptional 490 Pintail were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Dundrum Bay, Northern Ireland on 31st January 2017 has returned for another winter.
A winter menu
4th December 2022 – overcast NE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 43 Common Scoter, 26 Razorbill, 24 Shag, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and a Kittiwake. The Shag remains along the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
Three Fieldfare and 7 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whooper Swan was grounded early morning.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 43 Common Scoter, 26 Razorbill, 24 Shag, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and a Kittiwake. The Shag remains along the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
Three Fieldfare and 7 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whooper Swan was grounded early morning.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Cetti’s Warbler remains
3rd December 2022 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Rarities
The Cetti’s Warbler remains on the coastal path along the eastern side of the airfield, calling regularly and showing occasionally from the scrub and reeds near the gate in the fence line.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 150 Common Scoter and single Razorbill, Red-throated Diver and redhead Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Redwing while 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds are still on the move with 65 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Whooper Swan and 6 Siskin seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain while 6 Woodcock and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Rarities
The Cetti’s Warbler remains on the coastal path along the eastern side of the airfield, calling regularly and showing occasionally from the scrub and reeds near the gate in the fence line.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 150 Common Scoter and single Razorbill, Red-throated Diver and redhead Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Redwing while 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds are still on the move with 65 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Whooper Swan and 6 Siskin seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain while 6 Woodcock and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot
2nd December 2022 – overcast/fog clearing later NE1/2
Offshore
A low tide check over the sea revealed 8 Shag, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot amongst 5000 Eider.
Diurnal Migration
As the fog cleared 33 Pink-footed Geese, 13 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Goosander reappeared and 4 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Single Barn Owl, Peregrine, Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A low tide check over the sea revealed 8 Shag, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot amongst 5000 Eider.
Diurnal Migration
As the fog cleared 33 Pink-footed Geese, 13 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Goosander reappeared and 4 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Single Barn Owl, Peregrine, Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
More fog!
1st December 2022 – overcast/mizzle/murk E1/2
Diurnal Migration
Just 7 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Fieldfare appeared through the gloom.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 89 Greylag Geese were grounded briefly.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Jay were the best of the rest.
Diurnal Migration
Just 7 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Fieldfare appeared through the gloom.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 89 Greylag Geese were grounded briefly.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Jay were the best of the rest.
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