Gannet c.20 on crossings - all adults.
Shag c.10 incl. 1 adult s/p
SNOWY EGRET 1 1st-winter. Long, thin, black bill with white underside. Yellow ‘bridge’ across base of upper mandible joining yellow lores. Yellow iris. Plumage all-white with slight buffish wash to wings and more so the tail (staining?). Legs primarily greenish yellow especially when viewed from behind. Feet bright yellow making the toes look thick. Some black on front of legs. Caught several small fish. UK474.
Snowy Egret on Isle of Arran
On returning from Chile in November 2001 our arrival was mistimed as RJF & JWK were making their long trek north to Seil Island to see the UK's first Snowy Egret that very day. However, there was Minsmere's Baikal Teal to catch up with, and as the Snowy Egret had been present for a while, there seemed every chance it would linger for the following weekend... that of course, it didn't! I then returned to South America but again mistimed my return from Ecuador to the UK as the Snowy Egret had been relocated at Ardrossan allowing JFC & DRC to see it on New Year's Day. However, there was now the Norfolk Ross's Goose to catch up with, and the small matter of a return to work, and it again seemed likely that the Snowy Egret would linger for the following weekend... that of course, it didn't! After over a month of being missing, it was again relocated, but this time on the Isle of Arran. Fortunately there was a Calmac Ferry that docked nearby, so along with JFC, we took the plunge and travelled as foot passengers, and after an anxious walk found the Egret feeding in its favoured stream showing to a few feet. We then enjoyed watching this first for Britain & Ireland all by ourselves for a couple of hours before returning on the afternoon ferry to the mainland.
Greylag Goose c.50 Ayr
American Wigeon 1 first winter drake. Cramy cast to pale forehead and crown - some dark mottling towards rear of crown. Greenish bloom to broad stripe from eye to nape. Throat motteld. Breast and flanks pinkish, wings more ruddy. White area at rear of flanks contrasting with wholly black undertail coverts. Displaying to a female Wigeon sp. which showed white axillaries.
Eider c.50
Goldeneye c.15
Smew 2 redhead and drake at Ayr.
Red-breasted Merganser c.10
Goosander c.5 including 3 fine drakes at Ayr
Sparrowhawk 1 Arran Island
Buzzard 1 Arran Island
Oystercatcher c.50
Ringed Plover c.15
Golden Plover 5
Redshank c.10
Black-headed Gull c.250
Common Gull c.250
Herring Gull c.100
Great Black-backed Gull c.25 adults
Kittiwake c.25 including 1st-w and ad.w.
Guillemot c.20 including both w/p and s/p individuals
Black Guillemot c.20 mainly s/p
Pied Wagtail 1 Arran Island
Long-tailed Tit 1 Arran Island
Rook c.20
Raven 2 Arran Island
