2008 SIGHTINGS
This was a relatively good year with 175 species reported. No new species were recorded for the first time since 2002. Notable sightings included multiple Storm Petrels, good numbers of Manx Shearwaters, a Great Northern Diver, a Shag, Little, Sandwich and Black Terns, multiple Mediterranean Gulls, an Iceland Gull, a Ring-billed Gull, a Spoonbill, 5 Avocets and a Pectoral Sandpiper. Scarce wildfowl included a Ring-necked Duck,White-fronted Geese, Bewick’s Swans and a Whooper Swan. Scarce raptors included Short-eared Owls throughout both winter periods, a Long-eared Owl, Barn Owl, a Red Kite, 2 Hen Harriers and an Osprey. Two Hoopoe sightings were missed by most of the regulars, a Blue-headed Wagtail, a Common Redpoll, several Cetti’s Warblers, Grasshopper Warblers, 4 Firecrests, male Ring Ouzel, a Rose-ringed Parakeet but just one Tree Sparrow were seen. Once again there were some disappointments with no reports of Leach’s Petrel or Pomarine Skua (both of which have been regular in recent years), Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Garganey, Purple Sandpiper, Snow Bunting, Pied Flycatcher or Black Redstart. Predictions for 2009 must include the first record of Cattle Egret....
Click on the Calendar pictures below for detailed daily sightings and pictures for each month.
