The forecast 'arctic blast' duly arrived but although the wind was very strong there was very little associated snow. Norwick bay played host to a feeding melee of Gulls that included at least 10 Glaucous Gulls (ad, 2w, 8 juv) but there was no sign of the Tundra Bean Geese - presumably frozen out. Lund bay produced a juvenile Glaucous Gull. Uyeasound produced the surprise of the day with 3 drake Goosander sat on the sea. Belmont produced several flocks of incoming Long-tailed Ducks probably amounting to around 30 individuals. Burrafirth beach played host to a juvenile Iceland Gull and 4 Glaucous Gulls (2 ad & 2 juv) and the Fieldfare was still present. On getting home to Millfield a Pink-footed Goose (presumably from Lamba Ness) flew over and was seen to land at Norwick where it joined the Greylags. Another quick check of the beach produced 9 Purple Sandpipers.
Norwick bay with Gulls feeding along the swell
Second-winter Glaucous Gull at Norwick
Nine Glaucous Gulls at Norwick
click to enlarge!
Drake Goosander off Uyeasound
Pink-footed Goose at Norwick
Starling joining the Waders
Juvenile Great Northern Diver at Norwick
Haroldswick Bay and Clibberswick
