25th and 26th April
The 25th was another tough day to be out in
the field with a blazing force 7 cold northerly wind bringing with it nasty
little snow and hail showers; we battled away though but the rewards were slim
as the highlights could be summarised as 24 Black-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel,
21 Pink-footed Geese and single Woodpigeon, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Brambling
all looking pretty uncomfortable trying to find some shelter.
I think this is art! photo Simon Davies
The following
day, although hardly spring-like, had slightly lighter winds, more sunshine and
fewer showers meaning that for at least a few minutes at a time it was
enjoyable to be out and about! Waders
showed some notable increases across the island as counts included 77 Ringed Plover,
498 Golden Plover, 2 Knot (the first ones since 9th March!), 177
Purple Sandpipers, 17 Dunlin, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 280 Turnstone and 3
Whimbrel.
The Green-winged Teal on Gretchen, the Black-throated Diver in Nouster and the
pair of Garganey on Hooking were all
still present while other little bits included 8 Great-northern Divers, 39
Pink-footed Geese seen heading north and a Manx Shearwater passed the seawatch
hide along with a trickle of Auks.
There
was a big increase to 115 Wheatears across the island but they were the only
landbirds that showed any real signs of movement as other things of note
consisted of a Sparrowhawk, a Swallow, 10 Redwings and 7 Snow Buntings.
Wheatears, photos Simon Davies
Snow Bunting, photo Simon Davies
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