During the winter months a huge gull roost is present with Glaucous and Iceland Gulls recorded most winters while Caspian Gulls are being recorded more frequently, no doubt due to increased observer awareness. Yellow-legged Gulls are regular and numbers often start to build up from late summer with many birds present during the day. In addition, both Frankin's and Bonaparte's Gulls have each been recorded twice.
A good variety of wildfowl is present during winter including good numbers of Goldeneye and Goosander being joined by the occasional Red-breasted Merganser or Greater Scaup. During the 2007/08 winter a Lesser Scaup was present and there are several records of Ring-necked Duck. Great Northern Diver is the most frequently occurring diver species and the scarcer grebes are recorded on a regular basis; Black-necked are often found on passage while Slavonian and Red-necked are more likely during winter.
The occurrence of waders will depend on water levels during the main passage periods with all the regular coastal species possible, including Grey Plover, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Turnstone while past rarities have included Kentish Plover, Collared Pratincole, Pectoral, Spotted, Baird’s and Buff-breasted Sandpipers and all three phalaropes.
During passage periods, Arctic Terns can occur in good numbers, particularly in the spring while Black Terns are frequently encountered during suitable weather conditions. There are also a number of records of White-winged Black Tern including one in the spring of 2008. Seabirds include numerous records of Manx Shearwater and Fulmar, while both Storm and Leach’s Petrels have occurred as well as all four British Skua species.
