19/04/2022

One of the several Greenfinches that are visiting my garden at the moment

As expected with a cool NW breeze this mornings sea watch was very slow:

 06.00-08.00
Brent Goose: 11E
Common Scoter: 42E
Red-throated Diver: 3E 1W
Great-crested Grebe: 2 on
Gannet:67E 
Cormorant: present n/c
Oystercatcher: 3E
Whimbrel: 4E
Black-headed Gull: present n/c
Mediterranean Gull:1E 
Common Gull: present n/c
Great Black-backed Gull: present n/c
Herring Gull: present n/c
Sandwich Tern: 41E
Common Tern: 25E (single flock)
Auk sp:1E
Black Redstart: 1 present
Harbour Porpoise: 30+
Grey Seal: 1

A couple of hours around the Long Pits found a Pied Flycatcher that was immediately flushed accidentally by dog walkers, it was seen again briefly by PT but not again. Lesser and Common Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff were all seen and heard, along with the now seemingly abundant Cetti's Warblers.

An early afternoon walk down Galloways was disappointing apart from a Stonechat apparently feeding young.

The first Greylag family at Springfield Bridge this afternoon

The lone Glossy Ibis on the hayfields has been showing ridiculously well, giving wonderful photographic opportunities, especially in the afternoons when the light is excellent, the other 4 paired up Ibis tend to stay on Boulderwall Fields or in the private fishing lakes.

On hayfield 3, 2 summer plumage Spotted Redshanks, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatchers and at least 4 pairs of Lapwings nesting. From the surrounding Reed beds a Bittern booming and several Bearded Tits.

Little Ringed plover