Finally a much better day with bright sunshine ( too bright at times! ) throughout, although the easterly wind still remained blustery and quite strong.
The main WeBS count date for the month which meant most of my day was spent around Inner Loch Indaal. Sun glare and wave action made counting difficult at times and inevitably some species would be under recorded, e.g Slavonian Grebe, of which I only saw two. Equally some expected species that are usually further off shore, like Common Scoter, weren't recorded at all due to visibility. Two flocks of Greater Scaup were in evidence, being tossed up and down in the inshore waters. Conversely the good light directed at the exposed sand and mud areas helped enormously when picking out waders.....you can't have everything!!
A good variety of species was around with good numbers of Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Grey lag Goose notably in evidence. Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew and Oystercatcher were all present and a good selection of duck. An absolutely magnificent Great Northern Diver, still in summer plumage, remained offshore at Blackrock and a number of Red-throated Divers were noted too.
Of almost 60 Light-bellied Brent Geese distributed in various feeding parties over the Flats at least six carried coloured leg rings. Whilst the colours could easily be seen the accompanying numbers or letters they carried were obscure because of distance so will have to try and catch them on a rising tide, hope they're still around and come closer!!
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