15th and 16th February

Sightings on 15th included a new adult Iceland Gull on Gretchen in the afternoon along with the 2 2nd winter Glaucous Gulls also still there (one of which was trapped and ringed). At least 3 different Hen Harriers were also seen and there were 5 Linnets and 13 Snow Buntings near the Observatory. On 16th a wander to the north end of the island found a 2nd winter Iceland Gull and a new 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Bewan with a 2nd winter still in the south. A Whooper Swan was regrettably found dead so there are now 4 on Garso Loch and a Little Grebe near Vincoin was unusual as it tried to feed on a flooded field! 35 Twite appeared at the Observatory late in the day and are hopefully a sign of things to come if the forecast snow arrives in a few days time?!

One of the lingering Glaucous Gulls was trapped and ringed on 15th at the Seal carcass near Gretchen.