29th January

With a switch in the wind to a strengthening south-easterly there was a decent movement of Little Auks passing by the north end, with 114 counted moving west during an hour long sea-watch in the morning. 52 Kittiwakes also passed west and 3 Red-throated Divers flew east. There were now 2 immature Glaucous Gulls feeding on the seal carcass near Gretchen and 18 Snow Buntings were in the same area. 2 Woodcocks were flushed during the day and notable wildfowl included 5 Gadwalls, 3 Pintails and 15 Goldeneyes.

This Glaucous Gull has been closely guarding a seal at Gretchen for over a week, but today it allowed a second bird to join it and share the spoils.