Several Gannets feeding in the lee of the headland today, putting on quite a show.Today; Seawatch highlights included single Pomarine and Arctic Skuas, Balearic Shearwater, 43 Manx Shearwaters, 35 Common Scoters and 6 Common Gulls. Waders around the area included 30 Whimbrel, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, Knot (s/p) and Common Sandpiper. The Woodchat Shrike is still present, although it wasn't showing in it's usual area early evening.
Yesterday (1/5); Long seawatch produced 2 Great Northern and 1 Red-throated Diver, 404 Gannets, 64 Manx Shearwaters, Balearic Shearwater, 25 Common Scoters, pair of Shoveler, single Arctic and Pomarine Skua, Mediterranean Gull, 6 Common Gulls and 2 Sandwich terns. Best of all though was a passage of waders, only 29 Bar-tailed Godwits, but a site record of at least 74 Knot. This included a single flock estimated at 65. Interestingly, while the Godwits are 50/50 summer and winter plumage, all bar one of the Knot were in full summer plumage. The flock of 65 was a fantastic sight! 2 Dunlin were present (first of the year), while Whimbrels totalled 17, including 1 in off the sea, and another leaving to the south - had enough already! Other birds in-off included 4 Swifts and a Hobby, as well as a steady trickle of Swallows.
