12th - 23rd March
Expected additions to the year list over the past ten days include an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull on Gretchen on 16th, a Rook at the Lighthouse on 18th, with a Goldcrest at the obs on the same day, and a Kestrel over the camping field, four Linnet in Holland and a Grey Wagtail at the obs on 19th. A more obscure addition to the year list (but becoming more common in recent years) was two Goosander seen flying past the sea watch hide on 22nd. The Long-billed Dowitcher has remained on island throughout, following the Godwits between Sandsheen and Ancum, and the overwintering Black Redstart remains by the pier. Stonechat were last seen on 14th and 17th, and a Hooded Crow x Carrion Crow was at Hooking on 14th. The second Chaffinch of the year was seen at Brideness on 17th, where a first-winter Little Gull was close by at Brides. Three littoralis Rock Pipit were present on the island on 18th, with two at the Links and one at Sandback. The second Black-throated Diver of the year was i...
