1st-14th March
Although strong winds and torrential rain have continued
into March, recently we've had some calm and sunny days, a sign winter is hopefully
coming to an end. Early migrants are beginning to appear, with a Stonechat
sighted near the Obs on the 10th and a Black Redstart at Bewan on 13th.
There were counts of 88 Skylarks and 39 Snow Buntings on the 13th
and 28 Fieldfares and 9 Pied Wagtails on the 14th. The Green-winged Teal was
present on Gretchen on the 10th and 13th and several Hen
Harriers, a Peregrine and a Short Eared Owl were seen too. Numbers of
Black-headed Gulls and Oystercatchers have noticeably increased the past week
with birds returning to the island to breed. Ringing-wise we’re continuing to
make the most of the dark nights by dazzling waders, and on days with no
wind we've been able to ring some Fulmars. A newly constructed duck trap on
Gretchen has caught Fulmars and gulls but no ducks yet! The first Robin to be
ringed this year was caught at Holland on the 14th amongst Redwings, Blackbirds and a Song Thrush.
Black Redstart (photo Euan Ferguson)
Green-winged Teal (photo Alison Duncan)
Sanderling
Lapwing
Black-headed and Common Gull
Fulmar
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