It has been a wetter, windier and milder week, with temperatures typically above 6 degrees. There have therefore been fewer birds about, most of the thrushes, lapwing and Golden Plover have moved on; only a few remain. It has been lovely to hear the Dunnocks, Robins and Great Tits beginning to sing; a reminder that spring is on its way. Although they have probably been around for a few weeks now Fulmars, Herring Gulls and Guillemots have been much more noticeable as having returned to their ledges on the East Side. The Black Redstart and Firecrest are still in their usual places.
Monday 11th- 5 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover were in solfach with a Mediterranean Gull nearby, in the fields 68 Golden Plover and 2 Mistle Thrushes were feeding on what was now soft ground. An amazing 24 Woodcocks were on the mountain in the bracken.
Tuesday 12th- The usual waders were around with 2 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin being in Solfach. In the wetlands there were 2 Jack Snipe along with a Teal in Plas Withie. 14 Woodcock were scattered around.
Wednesday 13th- Out at sea a small feeding flock gathered and in amongst them was 1 Little Gull and 3 Mediterranean Gulls. 2 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin were on the beach with a Jack Snipe and 13 Woodcock being in the wetlands.
Thursday 14th- One Mediterranean Gull was present in solfach along with 5 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover. On the narrows 27 Golden Plover were flying around. 7 Woodcock and a Jack Snipe were also seen elsewhere.
Friday 15th- A very quiet day with very little around, a Teal was in Cristin Withie with 3 Woodcock being nearby. On Solfach 5 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover were feeding.
Saturday 16th- Again a quiet day, but high tides along with very strong winds bought wild seas and 650 Herring Gulls into solfach with only a single Mistle Thrush in the North-West fields, a Teal and a Ringed Plover elsewhere.
Sunday 17th-A single Mediterranean Gull in Solfach was the highlight.
Sunday 17th-A single Mediterranean Gull in Solfach was the highlight.
Redshank (c) Ben Porter
Black-headed Gull (c) Ben Porter
Firecrest (c) Ben Porter
Wonderful pictures again Ben
ReplyDeleteSDS
Wonderful to be able to keep up with the weather and birds on Enlli, and such stunning images too of them in their natural surroundings. It's well written too, with interesting detail. Thanks Ben - your enthusiastic hard work and dedication as well as your eye for a good picture are really appreciated.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading this, Ben, and especially liked the photo of the Firecrest.
ReplyDeleteBen - these pictures are brilliant - especially the redshank in mid-hop!
ReplyDeleteThe blog now looks fantastic - well done
ReplyDeleteAl
Amazing pictures Ben
ReplyDeleteSue
This bigger version is much better. Fantastic
ReplyDeleteHelen