15th-16th December

The Short-billed Dowitcher wasn't looked for on either date with effort focused on the Bridesness area where large numbers of Gulls, Wildfowl and Waders had gathered and were feeding in the swell. On 15th the female/immature Blue-winged Teal was back on the Loch there but it was the number of birds offshore which made for an impressive sight. At least 360 Eiders were there along with 150 Wigeons, 11 Goldeneyes plus 250 Common and 110 Herring Gulls-in fact it was something of a surprise that there were no 'white-winged' Gulls present. This was rectified the next day when a juvenile Glaucous Gull joined the mele' with the drake Green-winged Teal having replaced the previous days American duck on the Loch and a flock of 44 Snow Buntings on the beach. The Sparrowhawk was seen again on both days with a Woodcock and the Mealy Redpoll at Kirbest still on 15th.



Some of yesterdays Eider frenzy!