With strong westerly winds blowing for the majority of the week, I decided to take a punt on a seawatch down at the Point of Ayr this morning.
With most of the Skuas, Petrels and Shearwaters now safely kicking it in warmer climes, a December session is never going to set the pulse racing fully, but nonetheless this time of year can still be productive.
Things started in a promising fashion with a handful of Kittiwakes and a small party of Red-breasted Mergansers moving out of the estuary before most teachers were calling their register.
It was good to see a few juvenile Kittiwakes too; through no fault of their own the Scottish breeders have been about as productive as a Greek roadie in the last few years – perhaps they have enjoyed more success this year?
A 1st winter Little Gull was next on the scene, battling valiantly against the strong gusts. Superficially similar to a young Kittiwake in plumage, there really is no mistaking these little critters if you take a few minutes to observe their flight and behaviour. It was a plucky little bugger too, spending plenty of time feeding from deep within the troughs.
And then things gradually petered out. Great Crested Grebes, Red-throated Divers, Guillemots and a few Common Scoters passed through, but nothing too interesting.
The winds began to abate too and then I noticed the Cormorants started to get busy commuting around in all directions – always a sign that normal business is resuming. Time to call it a day.
It was now my time to do battle with the wind as I headed to Prestatyn to pick up a bus home. Hundreds of gulls were roosting on the beach and although conditions were not exactly conducive to careful study I did managed to pick out an adult Yellow-legged.
Until later.
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