Ramsey Sound - six hrs in the freezer

The usual gull feeding activity in the sound to day (kittiwakes, c. 100 black-headed gulls, several common gulls, a single 1st winter little gull and at least 8 med gulls (six adults in various head plumage stages towards summer breeding condition and 2 first winter birds) our highest count yet this winter. In addition a great northern diver flew south through the sound this afternoon and there were at least a dozen of so gannets heading south as well - our first of the year here (a possible maritime reminder that spring is not far away!).

Auks were not so numerous today but probably the majority of razorbills seen were in full summer plumage now. For a few minutes it was nice to have extremely close views of 3 grey plovers and 4 sanderlings temporarily perching on seaweed-covered rocks below our watch-point, before flying on north. Seemed quite odd to see sanderling in this location - wonder if they called in and stayed longer at nearby Whitesands?

Also of note was an otter swimming south through the sound this morning, just like one we saw was doing last summer. Question is, where was it coming from and where was it heading for?

No sign of the ring ouzel but a few blackbirds and song thrushes were feeding in sheltered areas out of the biting icy wind.