Monday 6 January 2014

North Sea local auk movements

Saturday, 4 January 2014 Spittal Beach



Guillemot (with some Razorbills in there): in excess of a 400 birds were estimated to pass in a 15 minute period - the vast majority were flying south but many were swimming on the sea or flying north. By the time I left the beach the passage had dwindled but was still probably something like 15 per minute. I have no idea how many were passing before I reached Spittal.

Possibly result of high seas in the N Atlantic and birds being forced to try their luck in the North Sea. Is there enough food?

Red-throated Diver 6 birds on sea and 2 flying north.
Shag approximately 30 
Gannet 20 flying south (8 adults)


Sunday, 5 January 2014 Cocklawburn



Numbers of passing Guillemot much reduced but still high: about 200 in 30 minute period.

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