Wednesday 17th December 2014: Holy Island.
Observed from the Heugh, in the channel, across to Guile Point and the mainland, a spread of 1000s of Brent Geese (both races); 100s of Eiders, 5 Mergansers, 7 Slavonian Grebes (mostly paired), & a Red-throated Diver (pretending to be a Black-throat with a white patch on its flank).
In addition, 5 Whooper Swans flew over the causeway & 1 Black-tailed Godwit slept by a pool.
Equal to the birds: the scenic view & the panorama of sky & landscape made a memorable visit.
Friday 19th December: Branton Ponds.
A brisk walk around, in a cold breeze blowing from the snowy hills, revealed 15 Goosanders, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted & Goldeneye duck. 4 Cormorants rested on an island. In the trees as many as 60 Goldfinches fed on alder cones & also teasels, whilst a party of Long-tailed tits flitted here & there. A pair of Bullfinches enjoyed guelder-rose berries, and another male Bullfinch was sighted at the opposite end of the reserve. A family of Mute swans flew in, whilst a second Mute family occupied the neighbouring lake. Other common birds increased our list!
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