Seawatching from first light saw an impressive 272 Balearic Shearwater head south, just 15 shy of the site record, with many close in, before the movement petered out around 9am. There was a nearly a constant stream of birds with 1000+ auks passing, made up of groups numbering up to 40+, the vast majority too far out to identify, although closer ones were all Razorbill. Other seabirds included 500+ Gannet, 300+ Kittiwake, 25 Common Scoter, 14 Sandwich Tern and six Arctic Skua.
In the Bight a lone Barnacle Goose with 45 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, was presumably a different bird to the one recently with Canada Geese, and presumably more 'wild'. Also in the estuary, 140 Wigeon, 29 Sandwich Tern and five Shelduck. Further counts were today prevented by a Sparrowhawk which successfully pursed the small waders.
Barnacle Goose - Alan Keatley
Elsewhere a Wheatear was on Warren Point with eight Chiffchaff, four Rock Pipit and a Goldcrest on site and 20 Meadow Pipit and two Rook overhead.
Wildlife News: Insects were in short supply, with a queen Red-tailed Bumblebee nectaring in Greenland Lake, the most notable. In addition to a late flush of fresh Autumn Lady's-tresses in Greenland Lake, the Grey Willow in Soft Sand Bay, after dying back during the drought, has sprung (or should that be Springed) back in life with blossom staring to appear!
Red-tailed Bumblebee - Alan Keatley
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