Wildfowl and raptors

Four regularly returning Cackling Geese were in the Loch Gruinart RSPB area (Islay) throughout, as did at least one other with wintering Barnacle Geese in Co. Mayo at Lissadell, while a single vagrant Todd’s Canada Goose (form interior) was with Pink-footed Geese in the Docking/burnham Market area of Norfolk from 11th-30th. The drake American Black Duck continued to be seen in Strontian (Highland) throughout November. Some 11 drake American Wigeons were noted, including a smart individual in Inverness (Highland) from 9th; 12 drake American Greenwinged Teals including a ringed individual on the Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) from 3rd; and four Ferruginous Ducks, including a female at Wilstone Reservoir, Tring (Herts), until 12th, and a female at Theale Moatlands Pit (Berks) from 26th. Other wildfowl included 11 Ring-necked Ducks, drake Lesser Scaups at Cosmeston Lakes, Cardiff (South Wales) from 8th and on Orkney at Loch of Boardhouse from 17th-30th, and 18-plus Surf Scoters including at least six off North Wales. There was an inland influx of up to a dozen immature Velvet Scoters, including three in Buckinghamshire and two in Bedfordshire. The male Northern Harrier returned for a second winter on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) on 14th. Two different juvenile Pallid Harriers were encountered, including a bird that commuted back and forth across the Humber all month, first