Tuesday 22 March 2011

Pinkies on the move

Skein of Pink-footed Geese over the Pele Tower (Ciaran Hatsell)


Early start, pair of Shags on the cliffs (Ciaran Hatsell)

Woodcock wings - one full Peregrine nearby


Tuesday 22nd March comments: It’s been another cracking day as the sunny weather continued and the team have been working hard to get the islands ready for visitors and seabirds. I’ll introduce the team over the next week or two, but everyone is enjoying it and can't to welcome visitors back to the islands.

Interestingly today witnessed the complete evacuation of the islands of all the auk species as they moved off the islands and back to sea leaving the cliffs bare. However the day was notable for northerly passage of Pin-footed Geese as nine skeins totalled 466 moved over the islands, a record spring count for the Farnes.

Today’s highlights: Red-throated Diver 1S, Red-necked Grebe, Wigeon 3S, Teal 2, Goldeneye 2, Brent Goose 4 on sea, Pink-footed Goose 466N (in nine skeins), Redshank 31, Purple Sandpiper 30, Blackbird 7, Rook 3, Jackdaw 3, Linnet 4, Greenfinch, and male Reed Bunting.

1 comment:

kezia said...

Wonderful pictures ty Ciaran . Poor Woodcock :o(( still a peregrine is that quick it wouldnt have known what hit it !! How do you count 466 geese !!! are you sure it wasnt 465 or maybe 467 !!! Looks like you are still having good weather . Take care - enjoy .