Sunday 22 June 2008

22nd June 2008



With a wild west-south-west wind blowing above force eight sea-watching was the order of the day! 2 Little Egrets on the way over in the gutter are now almost expected mid-summer sightings!

The sea-watch was productive with over 800 Gannets, 79 Manx Shearwaters, 180+ Common, 59 Sandwich and 3 Little Terns. 7 Fulmar, 1 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, an adult Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter and a drake Eider provided some variety but there were no hoped-for Stormies despite the observers being trapped in the hide as the sea swept over the North End rocks behind (photo by Phil Woollen).

The only other bird of note was a Grey Heron which was battered by the wind as it made its way across the mouth of the Dee.

Waders seen on the sea-watch included c300 Knot (only a handful in summer plumage), 5 Grey Plover, Whimbrel and an Oystercatcher and on the way off c35 Turnstone appeared sheltering in amongst the rocks and seaweed by Middle.

No comments: