11th and 12th March

An unpleasant day on the 11^th with a strong, cold force 7 easterly bringing with it frequent showers which was reflected in the quiet day of birding; the single Whooper Swan and Green-winged Teal remained along with counts of 20 Long-tailed Ducks and 13 Red-breasted Mergansers.   Other little random bits included a Merlin, a single Black-tailed Godwit at Westness, the Kumlien’s Gull yet again around Brides, the lingering Stock Dove still and the only sign of any new birds – two Mistle Thrushes at Gretchen.

                A much nicer day on the 12^th with lighter E/NE winds and dry and bright conditions; the sea was very quiet first thing with a single Blue Fulmar the only different bird while wildfowl of note comprised the Green-winged Teal, the Smew, 17 Pintail and 8 Goldeneye.   Two Hen Harriers floated around the island (and included one which heart-stoppingly bounced out of a mist net at Holland House!) while 96 Golden Plover and 31 Sanderlings were counted; a single Ruff and the Kumlien’s Gull were also noted.

                On the land the Woodpigeon and Black Redstart remained while 64 Fieldfares, 4 Song Thrushes and 3 Mistle Thrushes represented slight increases with 31 Snow Buntings also remaining.

Smew and Goldeneye                                Simon Davies

Whooper Swan                            Simon Davies