The wind across the whole of the UK was arctic today, up in Scotland, snow was falling as though it were the middle of winter. Even here we were pummeled with hailstones in the early morning and the wind stung any exposed skin. 

A freezing cold South End just before the sunrise over the mountain. 

Sam and Stuart decided to seawatch from the South End hide first thing in the morning, in the hope of seeing a skua of any kind. But unfortunately, efforts went largely unrewarded with views of common seabirds only, Manx Shearwaters, Gannets, Kittiwakes and Common Scoters. Despite this, it was an eventful walk, not often does it hail on Bardsey... Plus, a Peregrine perched just in front of the hide, offering great views.

Peregrine on the South End

Curlews and Turnstones made up the waders on Henllwyn, as well as Oystercatchers, of course. presumably because of the wind, warblers were not recorded today, but a Goldcrest was singing in the Plantation. Similarly, Wheatears were also in short supply with just three recorded all day, all of which were on the Narrows. And a lone Swallow flew north past Pen Cristin.

Birds today: 18 Fulmars, 23 Manx Shearwaters, 31 Gannets, 11 Shags, four Common Scoters, five Curlews, 9 Turnstones, one Swallow, 13 Meadow Pipits, 11 Rock Pipits, eight Pied Wagtails, one Robin, three Stonechats, six Wheatears, one Song Thrush, four Chiffchaffs, six Goldcrests, two Chaffinches, four Goldfinches and 13 Linnets.