Cold weather continues but migrants trickle in...

A couple of days of light winds from the south saw a small sprinkle of migrants arrive. As I stepped out my front door this morning a Chiffchaff was singing in the bushes opposite. On the sea, a Whimbrel flew north early in the morning and 2 Canada Geese flew by which is unusual! Other birds included a Grey Plover, 15 plus Red-throated Diver, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Razorbill, 12 Guillemot and 6 Common Scoter. Offshore at least 2 Harbour Porpoise were feeding.

On land a female Black Redstart was at the old rifle range with 3 Rock Pipits. Two White Wagtails flew north and a Sparrowhawk was cruising the gardens!

A nice surprise this evening, was the discovery of a Black-necked Grebe at 6pm, fishing just offshore. The bird was moulting into its smart breeding plumage. This is an uncommon winter visitor.

Yesterday was notable for a summer plumage Black-throated Diver and the return of 8 Linnets to the patch. A male Peregrine flew along the beach and 7 Common Buzzards were 'kettling' over the fields behind the beach.

Thursday was a good day for Divers with 20+ Red-Throated, 1 Black-throated and a single Great Northern Diver heading North. Good numbers of Brent Geese continue north with over 600 over the past 3 days.