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Sightings - Week commencing Sun., 2nd March, 2008
02/03/08
2nd Mar.
A total of 23 Whooper Swans was seen at four sites. Six Snow Buntings were found in Holm.
The Mediterranean Gull and the Green-winged Teal were seen in Kirkwall and Tankerness, respectively.
3rd Mar.
The Mediterranean Gull and the Green-winged Teal were both seen again. A flock of 12 Black-tailed Godwits (all in winter plumage) probably represents the total number that have wintered in Tankerness. The flock often breaks up into singles and small groups and different counts are made on virtually every visit. Interestingly, the same phenomenon was true of a flock of Ruff that used to winter in the area a few years ago.
4th Mar.
A flock of 980 Pink-footed Geese in Tankerness was typical of the spring build-up in this area in recent years. In the same area Oystercatchers were also cosolidating with a count of 173. Different flocks of Black-tailed Godwit in Tankerness totalled 11 birds, and a fresh-water Red-throated Diver and a first-winter Black Swan was also seen (does anyone have any idea if this is a wandering local bird?).
5th Mar.
Two Scaups were seen in Tankerness.
6th Mar.
284 Knots, 92 Dunlins and three Black-tailed Godwits were seen in Tankerness.
7th Mar.
The Mediterranean Gull was still in its Kirkwall haunts.
187 Oystercatchers were counted in Tankerness.
8th Mar.
A flock of 102 Shelducks seen in Tankerness was the largest of the year so far. Also seen in the area were 223 Oystercatchers and a Meadow Pipit.