More Colour!

A fine summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwit arrived on 2nd, adding a further splash of colour to that provided by the Hoopoe. It was still present the following day, however the Hoopoe had departed. An early start on 3rd to count Tysties provided the first Arctic Terns of the year and also a nice drake Shoveler on Da Water. Around 160 Golden Plover (nearly all sporting their black summer breast and belly) is an excellent count. A Sparrowhawk and Kestrel both arrived, whilst the local female Peregrine seems to have had an encounter with a Fulmar and (sadly) appears to be oiled. There has been little to report on the passerine front, though the first Common Whitethroat was seen and 50+ Redwing is a good May count, a handful of Swallows and 3-4 Sand Martins, a couple of Blackcaps, a few Willow Warblers, Siskins, Bramblings and Chaffinches and a single Common Redpoll.

The two Dotterel re-appeared today, on Meoness whilst Kittiwakes were observed collecting nesting material and a Raven was seen carrying a Razorbill egg.