15th-21st March

The south-easterly winds at the beginning of the week brought in an increased number of thrushes and the first Goldcrest of the year, which was ringed at Holland on the 15^th. However the wind then took on a northerly direction which seemed to slow migration down a bit. Skylarks continued to pass through, although there was considerably less than last week. Pied Wagtails were present in double figures every day, along with smaller numbers of Meadow Pipits. The first Black-tailed Godwit of the year was found on the 20^th, and a pair of Chaffinches, another first, were seen on the 21^st. A first-winter Glaucous Gull was on Seal Skerry on the 18^th and Peregrines, Merlins and Hen Harriers were about most days. The rehead Smew was sighted throughout the week, on both Bewan and Hooking. The drake Green-winged Teal was also seen a couple of times on Gretchen, and appears to have paired with a female, whether it’s Eurasian or Green-winged we wouldn't dare say!

Green-winged Teal (photo Carmen Azahara)

Skylark (photo George Gay)

Black-tailed Godwit (photo George Gay)

Hen Harrier (photo George Gay)

Red-throated Diver (photo George Gay)

Reed Bunting (photo George Gay)