Velvet Scoters and Great Northern Diver

12th February 2010 – sunny spells NE1
Offshore

Early morning observations (0730-0830) were highlighted by 2 Velvet Scoter and a Great Northern Diver, also seen were 40 Common Scoter and 11 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 23 Fieldfare dropped in and a Collared Dove was perhaps a forerunner of spring migration.
Diurnal Migration
Several skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 330 birds headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 35 Barnacle Geese remain and waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The pre-roost gathering of Little Egret contained 11 birds, a flock of 40 Twite were logged and both Peregrine and Merlin were seen.

Image
Record shot of today's Merlin