Excellent variety over the sea

26th April 2010 – overcast then sunny WSW2/3
Offshore
The highlights of early morning observations (0730-0830) were 3 Velvet Scoter, 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase) and 2 Little Tern – the latter the first of the year. The supporting cast involved 87 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern,. 75 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
An increase was noted in the number of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler and another smattering of grounded birds involved 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail, Robin, Goldcrest and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary House Martin was noted amongst another trickle of Swallow coming in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Wigeon, Teal and the pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 2 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.

Moths
The first Nutmeg of the year appeared in the moth traps.