30th December 2024 – sunny spells WSW5/8
Offshore
The first check of the sea for several days revealed 23 Kittiwake, 17 Red-throated Diver, 15 Common Scoter and a single Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Pipit were seen at high tide and the Hooded Crow remains.
Hooded Crow and Barn Owls
26th December 2024 – overcast/murk/mizzle/calm
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was grounded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 2 Barn Owl. Finch flocks included 45 Goldfinch and 60 Greenfinch – the latter the largest flock recorded for several years.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was grounded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 2 Barn Owl. Finch flocks included 45 Goldfinch and 60 Greenfinch – the latter the largest flock recorded for several years.
Hooded Crow
24th December 2024 – overcast/murky WSW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Two Redwing were caught out by the conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler and 5 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included a Barn Owl.
Grounded Migrants
Two Redwing were caught out by the conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler and 5 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included a Barn Owl.
Barn Owls continue to show
23rd December 2024 – overcast/rain soon WNW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 21 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 3 Barn Owl. Two Water Rail and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 21 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 3 Barn Owl. Two Water Rail and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Wildfowl and Waders
17th December 2024 – overcast/rain by evening SSE2/3
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Shag, 34 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 400 light-bellied birds, also seen were 1,108 Wigeon, 899 Teal, 195 Shelduck, 119 Pintail, 11 Shoveler and a Goosander. Waders included 5,436 Oystercatcher, 3,364 Knot, 735 Redshank, 851 Lapwing, 1,000 Dunlin, 592 Curlew, 500 Golden Plover, 157 Turnstone, 142 Grey Plover, 122 Sanderling and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 3 Barn Owl and single Merlin and Peregrine.
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Shag, 34 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 400 light-bellied birds, also seen were 1,108 Wigeon, 899 Teal, 195 Shelduck, 119 Pintail, 11 Shoveler and a Goosander. Waders included 5,436 Oystercatcher, 3,364 Knot, 735 Redshank, 851 Lapwing, 1,000 Dunlin, 592 Curlew, 500 Golden Plover, 157 Turnstone, 142 Grey Plover, 122 Sanderling and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 3 Barn Owl and single Merlin and Peregrine.
Hooded Crow and Twite
16th December 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times W3/5
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 10 Twite were logged.
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 10 Twite were logged.
Late news
14th December 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times W3/5
Rarities
A Lesser Whitethroat trapped and ringed on 1st November 2024 has been positively identified as a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat through DNA analysis – thanks to Professor Martin Collison and his team at Aberdeen University.
Rarities
A Lesser Whitethroat trapped and ringed on 1st November 2024 has been positively identified as a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat through DNA analysis – thanks to Professor Martin Collison and his team at Aberdeen University.
Barn and Short-eared Owls
13th December 2024 – overcast/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Song Thrush and 4 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Goose and a Grey Wagtail flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail squealed. At least 3 Barn Owl and 3 Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Song Thrush and 4 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Goose and a Grey Wagtail flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail squealed. At least 3 Barn Owl and 3 Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island.
Cetti’s Warblers increase
12th December 2024 – overcast/calm
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 60 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Purple Sandpiper was seen.
Miscellaneous
There are now 4 Cetti’s Warbler on the island and another Chiffchaff was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 60 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Purple Sandpiper was seen.
Miscellaneous
There are now 4 Cetti’s Warbler on the island and another Chiffchaff was seen.
Calm seas
11th December 2024 – overcast NE1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 7500 Eider, 220 Common Scoter, 39 Shag, 27 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 30 Twite remain.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 7500 Eider, 220 Common Scoter, 39 Shag, 27 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 30 Twite remain.
Marsh Harrier
10th December 2024 – sunny spells NE1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 15 Shag and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 60 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Stock Dove and a Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Woodcock were noted.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted Teal, the Hooded Crow remains, four Water Rail were logged along with three Cetti’s Warbler and three Barn Owl.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 15 Shag and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 60 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Stock Dove and a Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Woodcock were noted.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted Teal, the Hooded Crow remains, four Water Rail were logged along with three Cetti’s Warbler and three Barn Owl.
Wintering Chiffchaff
9th December 2024 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 14 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Woodcock were seen.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” held a wintering Chiffchaff, along with 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Bullfinch and a Jay.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 14 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Woodcock were seen.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” held a wintering Chiffchaff, along with 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Bullfinch and a Jay.
Barn Owls continue to show
8th December 2024 – sunny spells N5/7
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 5 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 92 Canada Goose and 4 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Barn Owl continue to hunt the island.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 5 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 92 Canada Goose and 4 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Barn Owl continue to hunt the island.
Small Twite flock
6th December 2024 – overcast/rain later W3/4 then SE4/8
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 15 Twite were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 15 Twite were the best of the rest.
A quiet day
5th December 2024 – overcast/rain later SW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Knot numbers begin to build.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Knot numbers begin to build.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Migration still not quite over
4th December 2024 – overcast/rain by evening SE2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 10 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Several Barn Owl were logged.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 were again amongst the Brent Goose flock.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 10 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Several Barn Owl were logged.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 were again amongst the Brent Goose flock.
Migration not quite over
3rd December 2024 – overcast E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 12 Shoveler and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Perhaps up to 5 Barn Owl were seen and 30 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 12 Shoveler and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Perhaps up to 5 Barn Owl were seen and 30 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine were logged.
Old favourites
2nd December 2024 – overcast/rain clearing N3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0815-0915) produced 23 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 3 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 300 light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Barn Owl were seen.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 have returned for another winter.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0815-0915) produced 23 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 3 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 300 light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Barn Owl were seen.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 have returned for another winter.
Twite numbers finally increase
1st December 2024 – overcast/rain/showers later S2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0830-0900) produced 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 16 Shoveler and 10 Goldeneye and waders included 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite are now in residence and raptors included single Merlin and Peregrine.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0830-0900) produced 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 16 Shoveler and 10 Goldeneye and waders included 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite are now in residence and raptors included single Merlin and Peregrine.
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