It’s been a moody day on the islands although an exciting one, as passage migrants continue to move through the islands including another scarcity! The weather dominated the day as we moved from glorious sunshine to torrential rain, leaving the warden team soaked to the skin. The ponds, which have been bone dry for several months, suddenly have water and it’s welcome relief for the vegetation in some areas.
As well as a good soaking, the rain also ‘dropped’ birds as migrants descended onto the islands to seek shelter including a stunning Icterine Warbler and Turtle Dove. Just out of interest, its noteworthy that all the breeding seabirds have now gone apart from the lingering Shags, as the Auks and all the Terns have moved on to pastures new.
Today's Highlights:
Icterine Warbler – one on Brownsman from 16:00 – first of the year
Turtle Dove - one adult over Brownsman (first since 2003!)
Grey Heron, Peregrine female, Teal 3, Golden Plover 200, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Great Skua north, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Wheatear 34+, Willow Warbler 20 and Whitethroat 4.
As well as a good soaking, the rain also ‘dropped’ birds as migrants descended onto the islands to seek shelter including a stunning Icterine Warbler and Turtle Dove. Just out of interest, its noteworthy that all the breeding seabirds have now gone apart from the lingering Shags, as the Auks and all the Terns have moved on to pastures new.
Today's Highlights:
Icterine Warbler – one on Brownsman from 16:00 – first of the year
Turtle Dove - one adult over Brownsman (first since 2003!)
Grey Heron, Peregrine female, Teal 3, Golden Plover 200, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Great Skua north, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Wheatear 34+, Willow Warbler 20 and Whitethroat 4.
Glad to hear that the ponds are full and the vegetation is looking good :D Interesting set of birds you've been getting too, even to a novice :)
ReplyDelete