Monday 29 August 2011

Big Seas

For two days the wind has blown, tides have gone ‘spring’ and we have therefore been cut off from society.

Tidal surge over Staple Island and onto Brownsman Flats

These huge tides and strong NW winds have resulted in some nice swell and surges as well as some nice seawatching!


At this time of year anything could pass by with Fea’s Petrels seen in previous years or Sabine’s Gulls however none of these crippling pelagic species have graced our waters as of yet…

However the totals for yesterday include 17 Sooty Shearwater, 16 Manx Shearwater, 7 Arctic Skua and a single Bonxie along with some Golden Plover and Swallow passing through.

My best attempt at Sooty Shearwater photo - 2 birds banking high (enlarge to see them!)

Today the wind had eased and the birds got moving in much better numbers with tally’s so far: 22 Sooty Shearwater, 142 Manx Shearwater, 24 Bonxies, 11 Arctic Skua, 2 Storm Petrel along with Auks, Plovers, Swallows and the likes.

The land has remained quiet with our resident Wheatears (2) and Whitethroat (1) still present while 2 Willow Warbler are new in.

The seawatching continues…..


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