Once again the blustery south westerly wind mad birding hard work, even in the relative comfort of the sea watch hide the scope was swaying about. After an hour and a half (07.30-09.00) I gave up the struggle after a poor return for the time invested. Highlights were 2 Manx Shearwaters west, 2 Velvet Scoter E, c10 Fulmar west and c100 Common Scoter east. The male Black Redstart was struggling not to be blown off the power station wall. Another visit 15.00-16.00 (Glutton for punishment) produced 4 Arctic Skuas, 4 Little Terns, 6 Fulmars, 16 Kittiwakes, 5 Guillemots and several Arctic Terns.
At the south end of the ARC c20 Swifts, 2 Dunlin and a Little Egret. Further down the road a Little Owl was posing (thanks Mike) my first on the marsh this year.
Another wander along the footpath at Scotney found the usual Ringed Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 drake Wigeon and at last my first Common Sandpiper of the year. Once again it was hard work on the reserve, with the Bittern still booming and the Marsh Harriers showing well the highlights.
No comments:
Post a Comment