9th-15th February

The most notable bird this week was a Black-throated Diver spotted off the coast of Bridesness on the 13^th. Other new species recorded for the year included Great Northern Diver, Jack Snipe, Peregrine and Mistle Thrush. The long staying Northern Harrier was sighted hunting around the Obs again on the 10^th and the 15^th. A flock of 11 Snow Buntings were also seen. Windy nights have allowed dazzling to remain productive, with a second Whooper Swan amongst the birds ringed. We have also had some unseasonably calm days this week, allowing us to ring a Starling roost and open a few mist nets at Holland House for the Thrush roost, with a couple of Redwings caught amongst the Blackbirds. A female Merlin that found itself in one of the heligolands on the 15^th was a nice surprise. 

Merlin

Whooper Swan

Purple Sandpiper

Teal

Ringed Plover