Lisa & I walked at St Bride's this afternoon, mainly to get away from the constant stream of off-the-lead dog walkers at the Gann, but also to see if the King Eider was still off Stack Rocks - and it was. Anchored in the same spot for at least an hour early afternoon, just west of the rocks, exactly where it was last seen on 15th December. In that time it didn't dive once, mainly spending its time preening and sleeping. It is looking like a typically lengthy stay for this species. It has advanced a bit since we last saw it, with an obvious off-whitish breast and more extensive orange on the lores/bill base. Be great if it stays into spring!
Possibly more surprising were 2 Common Eider, a drake and a first-year, which were initially close to St Brides, drifted west, and then back east to where we were sat watching the King, before flying east into Goultrop Roads. An amazing Eider double!
Finally, the wing-tagged Marsh Harrier (IL) was at Marloes Mere late afternoon, a movement of 10 miles or so NW from its location at Castlemartin Corse this morning.