5 Little Auks and 7 Great Northern Divers went north at Whitburn Obs by 11 am this morning, and as i left a full Obs I'm sure more were added. It was the little and large of sea watching with Little Auks and Great Northers and luckily we received treats not tricks. I was joined eventually by Freddie (Milton that is) not seen in the Obs for 20 years or so but not surprising as it is Halloween. Pink Floyd arrived then much later the full crab sandwich brigade. I was struggling early on with no help and healthy numbers of birds passing, and had 4 Little Auks before anyone arrived so it was good news when Pink Floyd called a mid distance bird going north to the now full Obs. Typically it immediately dumped onto the sea leaving the year ticking crab boys in limbo but soon took of again for all to see or string depending on observers eyesight.
This is what we saw in order of appearance
Tuesday 31st October 06.45-11.00 SW1-2 8/8 flat calm sea with moderate swell
Black h Gull 47n 18s
Common Gull 14n 14s
Teal 166n
Common Scoter 280n
Red th Diver 28n 13s
Guillemot 2371n
Razorbill circa 20n
Little Auk 5n
Gannet 153n 5s
Goldeneye 12n 1s
Cormorant 1n 3s
Tufted Duck 8n
Mallard 3n
Eider 8n 5s
Great Northern Diver 7n
Shelduck 6n
Porpoise 5s
Long tailed Duck 1n
Red br Merganser 1n 1s
Velvet Scoter2n
Black th Diver 3n
Wigeon 98n
Shag1n 2s
Grey Heron 1s
Scaup 2s
Whooper Swan 10n
Fieldfare 3 in off
Dunlin 2n
The Bee-eater didn't show today but that's no reason why we can't enjoy a bit more video
