9th-11th April
The last few days have seen some pretty inclement weather with the 9th being a total wash-out, those that did brave it lasted just over an hour in the rain and brisk northerly breeze. Better weather followed the next day but the 11th greeted us with strong south-westerlies in the morning that slackened off making for a lovely evening.
As mentioned before the 9th was a complete wash out, but a small mixed flock of eight Sand Martin and six Swallow at Hooking in desperate search of sustenance and a Little Auk year-tick from the sea-watch hide was something at least. The next day saw better weather, the Willow Warbler remained in Ancum as did the Black Redstart at Tor Ness. The second Barnacle Goose of the year was seen at the Mill briefly and two Manx Shearwater passed the north end made it onto the yearlist. A very windy 11th didn't give much to shout about, the drake Goosander re-appeared on Hooking, a small flock of Goldfinch roamed the south of the island, the Willow Warbler cut a lonely figure in the willows at Ancum and the Mediterranean Gull made another re-appearance first at Westness and then later just below Holland. Netting sessions in the evening continued to be dominated by Sparrowhawks lingering around being a general menace to anything else trying to roost in the gardens.
The weather seems set on being fairly dismal for the week ahead but no doubt we'll bravely plug away and try to pull something out the hat!
Comments