Although the island was still currently buried under a substantial amount of snow, the harshest conditions had passed. This provided some much needed respite for the wildlife on the island as the soils, frozen solid the day before, were now softening enough for waders to probe the ground and other species to forage. As the thaw continued throughout the day mixed flocks of species littered fields all over the island. Most prevalent were Golden Plovers and Lapwings again which totalled 143 and 45 respectivly, they were joined by 18 Dunlins, ten Common Snipes and five Woodcocks. Whilst nine Blackbirds, nine Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrushes and eight Redwings were also in the mix. Although some had moved on, four Shovlers still remained and had relocated to Nant Pond at the opposite end of the island.
A smart adult Mediterranean Gull bobbed in the gentle swell of Henllwyn although other gull numbers were much reduced, 14 Black-headed Gulls, six Common Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull 112 Herring Gulls and a Greater Black-backed Gull. The resident Grey Heron stood close by with three Shelduck, a Teal and 16 Mallards and other waders noted on and around the Narrows included 23 Oystercatchers, two Ringed Plovers, a nice flock of 11 Purple Sandpipers, 14 Curlews, seven Redshanks and 11 Turnstones.
A female Great-spotted Woodpecker was spotted flitting between gardens, presumably the individual which has been present since last autumn. A small number of Meadow Pipits were noted, 29 in total, possibly the first sign of increasing numbers as we approach the weeks in which they start to arrive and migrate past the island.
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