It was back to George V Avenue for a morning seawatch, for a bit longer this time and in more promising conditions with a southeasterly breeze. Incredibly, a pair of
Red-necked Grebes was on the sea before drifting east, only to be replaced by a pair of
Black-necked Grebes then in turn a singleton BNG! A
Great Northern Diver crashed onto the sea and dived but couldn't be picked up again. Presumably it couldn't find much and decided to fly on while I was scanning widely for it to emerge! Distantly towards the turbines, an immature
Iceland Gull was feeding and was presumably the 2CY that has been visiting the Gap recently. A group of six
Eiders went east, only to be followed by another group of seven which pitched down offshore for a while. Four
Common Terns, possibly my first March record, flew by, along with 25
Sandwich Terns. A 4CY
Yellow-legged Gull flew in off the sea and over town.
Common Scoters totalled 157 and two
Shovelers went west but only one flock of
Dark-bellied Brent Geese (18) went through. Thanks to a curious dog-walker, we were put onto a male
Wheatear which had arrived on the beach. 15
Black-headed Gulls were in migration flight eastward. 30
Great Crested Grebes and 16
Red-breasted Mergansers were also noted, along with 24
Red-throated Divers, 37
Gannets and two
Ringed Plovers;
Grey Plover calls were heard.
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| Red-necked Grebes |
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| Black-necked Grebes |
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| 4CY Yellow-legged Gull |
