9th February

Most of the Island was covered today and as a result there were some good counts of both Wildfowl and Waders. The 6 Tundra Bean Geese were re-found at Westness, while the Greenland White-fronted Goose was also seen again with 47 European White-fronted Geese near the School and 1179 Greylag Geese were counted. 5 Shelducks at Bridesness were new and counts of 322 Wigeons, 104 Teal, 8 Gadwalls, 7 Pintails, 20 Tufted Ducks and 15 Goldeneyes were made and the Scaup had returned to Ancum. As for Waders, species recorded in good winter numbers were 129 Oystercatchers, 170 Lapwings, 47 Bar-tailed Godwits and 3 Jack Snipes flushed from Hooking. The 2 Glaucous Gulls were both still present and 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Merlins and a Peregrine were seen. Passerines were limited but for 20 Fieldfares, 31 Redwings, a Song Thrush and 9 Twite.

Greenland White-fronted Goose (left hand bird) with European White-fronted Geese