A mere 230 Cormorant headed out fishing early on with an additional 2,260 heading onto the fishing grounds from the north roughly 1 to 2 hours later suggesting that it is worth there while undertaking a daily commute of this duration and distance in order to feed. They are forced to do this as a result of deliberate human interference on the traditional roosts inland of us. Offshore a handful of Red-throated Diver, 13 Brent north & an Oyk south. 9 Linnet on the reserve is worth a mention.
A male Blackcap was a bit of an unexpected arrival as they only tend to move in mid-winter in response to harsh weather conditions. We have two previous early February records but they were birds that had been present on site since mid-January. Spring passage doesn't get underway in Blackcaps until mid-March onwards so difficult to know what this one was up to? Mrs Peregrine put in an appearance for the first time this year so no idea what they are up to at the moment.
14 Wood Pigeon flying high south seems a tad early for the start of spring passage although flocks will wander in the winter looking for potential new feeding sites. 7 Med Gull on site. Worth a mention is the decline in Great Black-backed Gull numbers over the last 10 days or so as adult birds drift back off towards their nesting grounds.
Rock Pipit on the point that then flew high north into the dock plus a Turnstone on the shore.
1,480 Cormorant headed out fishing first thing. Offshore southbound 12 Pintail, 5 Wigeon, 4 Brent, 3 Oyk & Red-throated Diver with northbound 7 Red-throats plus at least 29 Kitts following shipping.