WeBS Winter Wonderland

20th December 2009 - early frost/snow NW3/4/5/6
Offshore
Observations (0945-1045) provided 32 Common Gull, 22 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was perhaps evidence of cold weather induced movement.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and a total of 17 Shoveler indicated a cold weather influx. Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit. Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included: 6680 Oystercatcher, 1491 Dunlin, 1138 Redshank, 1059 Wigeon, 730 Golden Plover, 364 Shelduck, 202 Sanderling, 200 Grey Plover and 63 Red-breasted Merganser.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 100 Twite were stalked by the resident Merlin and 5 Little Egret were logged.