7th-8th January

As expected the Short-billed Dowitcher duly made its debut appearance in 2014, having re-located back to the north end of the Island were it showed well at a number of sites in the Bewan area on 7th. Also left over from last year were the wintering Shelduck, Greenland White-fronted Goose and the Buzzard-the later two being seen on both dates. A couple each of Hen Harrier and Merlin made daily appearances while the Black-tailed Godwit flock continues to increase with 29 now at Bridesness. Passerine interest remains limited with 6 Fieldfares the pick of the Thrushes, 93 Twite and 6 Linnets at the Observatory on 8th when 31 Snow Buntings were counted around the south-east coastline.

Short-billed Dowitcher

 

Snow Bunting