Early Pink-footed Geese and a late Swift

31st August 2010 – bright and sunny V1/2
Offshore
Just 50 Sandwich Tern and a handful of Gannet were evident over calm seas.
Grounded Migrants
Another bright day with light winds, 120 Swallow were on the wires early morning and 2 Reed Warbler were logged, however grounded birds were not as evident as yesterday with 25 alba Wagtail, 8 Wheatear, 7 Robin, 6 Stonechat, 5 Willow Warbler and 3 Whitethroat the best of the rest.
Diurnal Migration
Further movement was evident through the morning and totals included 150 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 25 alba Wagtail, 20 Linnet, 9 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pink-footed Geese and single Swift, Tree Pipit, Sand Martin and Golden Plover.
Moths
Numbers in the moth trap continue to dwindle with just 17 species recorded overnight including the second island record of Scrobipalpa costella

Autumn diurnal passage begins

30th August 2010 – bright and sunny/calm then W1/2
Grounded Migrants
The wind died down overnight and although the day dawned bright and clear a selection of grounded birds were in evidence with 20 alba Wagtail, 18 Robin, 14 Wheatear, 8 Tree Sparrow, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 White Wagtail and a Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
Movement through the morning included 100 Swallow, 40 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow, 4 Tree Pipit, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal continue to increase steadily with 80 birds now present and a single Whimbrel was the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least one colour-ringed Little Egret is present on the island and additional sightings included 2 Little Owl and a Peregrine.

Images
House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow and Starling feeding flock.

Not a lot!

29th August 2010 – bright and sunny NW5/6
Offshore
Just 31 Gannet, 6 Sandwich Tern and 5 Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
The windy conditions were not conducive to migration with just single Wheatear and Blackcap were recorded.
Waders included Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.

Great Skua and first Pintail of the autumn

28th August 2010 – sunny spells NW4/5
Offshore
A Great Skua and the first 5 Pintail of the autumn were the highlights of an early morning seawatch which also produced 35 Common Scoter, 25 Sandwich Tern, 13 Gannet, 3 Shag and single Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whinchat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Greenshank.

Small fall

27th August 2010 – bright and sunny V1/2/3/4
Offshore
Again just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A varied selection of grounded birds included 40 Wheatear, 7 Robin, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 White Wagtail and single Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel.

Marsh Harrier and wagtail-fest

26th August 2010 – bright and sunny NE2/3
Grounded Migrants
An increase in activity saw 5 Yellow Wagtail – the first of the year – amongst 67 White Wagtail and 20 Pied Wagtail. Also seen were 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Robin, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whitethroat and a Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew through and a Sand Martin was amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Ring-necked Parakeet was perhaps of more dubious origins.
Mammals
Both Hare and Weasel were seen.

First Water Rail of the autumn

25th August 2010 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
Just 40 Sandwich Tern were logged fishing offshore at low tide.
Grounded Migrants
Still thin on the ground with just 14 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and 3 Whitethroat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Single Tree Pipit and House Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The pre roost gathering of Little Egret increased to 21 birds and the first Water Rail of the autumn was logged.
Butterflies
A mass hatch of 400 Small Tortoiseshell was noted.

Weather rules the day!

24th August 2010 – rain heavy at times WNW6/5/4
Offshore
Just 40 Sandwich Tern and a few Gannet were seen on the falling tide.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Shoveler was amongst 47 Teal and waders included 3 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The pre roost assembly of Little Egret again hosted 19 birds.

Early build up of Little Egret continues

23rd August 2010 – rain heavy at times W2/3/4
Offshore
Small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter and Kittiwake were seen on the falling tide.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets are now present in record numbers for the time of the year with a pre-roost gathering of 19 birds recorded.
Moths
Eudonia angustea
was new for the year.

First Chiffchaff of the autumn

22nd August 2010 – bright and sunny W4/3/2
Offshore
Only small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern were to be seen.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants were limited to 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Flocks of 36 Tree Sparrow and 12 House Sparrow were seen and 2 Tree Pipit were logged amongst a small movement of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.

A few seabirds at last!

21st August 2010 – sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0815 & 0900-0930) were highlighted by a pale phase Arctic Skua. Also seen were 65 Sandwich Tern, 60 Common Scoter, 47 Gannet, 35 Manx Shearwater, 12 Kittiwake, 2 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Slim pickings with just 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and a Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 157 Sanderling, 6 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret and a Little Owl were the best of the rest.

Little Stint rewards the few!

20th August 2010 – heavy rain and thunder S3/4
Offshore
Again early morning efforts provided no more than small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Common Scoter and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Whitethroat and a handful of Willow Warbler were likely leftovers from previous days.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Wigeon and Teal are now in evidence while wader highlights were led by a juvenile Little Stint, 13 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst increasing numbers of the commoner species.
Moths
A much subdued catch was the result of the poor overnight conditions – the highlight was the first Feathered Gothic of the year.

Merlin

19th August 2010 – bright start but rain by evening SW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations yielded just small numbers of Common Scoter, Manx Shearwater, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Small fare with 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat the pick.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was perhaps the highlight of the day and a Little Owl was seen.

Little Egret begin to build

18th August 2010 – sunshine and showers
Offshore
Sightings were limited to small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo led a small selection which included 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Robin, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret numbers are beginning to build with at least 6 birds present.

First Red-throated Diver of the autumn

17th August 2010 – early showers WNW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0800) saw the first Red-throated Diver of the autumn flying south along with 18 Gannet, 16 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of any newly grounded birds with just small numbers of Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Wheatear seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret continue to roam the island.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawker are now on the wing.

Variety if not quantity

16th August 2010 – bright and sunny W3
Grounded Migrants
With bright and sunny conditions prevailing variety if not quantity was the order of the day with 18 Willow Warbler, 6 Wheatear, 4 Tree Pipit, 3 Stonechat, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Whitethroat and single Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by a single Tree Pipit.

Mediterranean Gull added to year list

15th August 2010 – bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
A juvenile Mediterranean Gull moulting into first-winter plumage fed over the sea amongst Black-headed Gulls on the falling tide, otherwise it was generally quiet with just 10 Common Scoter and 10 Sandwich Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another reasonable day produced 31 Willow Warbler, 15 Whitethroat, 10 Stonechat, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A few Sand Martin and House Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Greenshank,
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to tour the island.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was just the third of the year while the moth trap again produced good numbers with Svennson's Copper Underwing, Caloptilia syringella and the first Canary-shouldered Thorn of the year being the highlights.

Images
Svennson's Copper Underwing and Spotted Flycatcher.




Tree Pipit added to year list

14th August 2010 – sunny spells NE3/4
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with just 15 Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
The best day of the autumn to date with 41 Willow Warbler, 14 Wheatear, 8 Whitethroat, 8 Stonechat, 6 Tree Sparrow, 4 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
The first 3 Grey Wagtail of the autumn flew through and a light Swallow passage included 2 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon are beginning to reappear and waders included Whimbrel, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and 150 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret continue to tour the island.
Moths
The moth trap returned to form with 376 moths of 52 species including the first island record for Epinotia nisella, the first Twin-spot Carpet for 10 years and Mullien Wave.
Images

Twin-spot Carpet and Epinotia nisella


Cuckoo remains

13th August 2010 – sunny spells NW4
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains and additional grounded migrants included 10 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.

Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatchers

12th August 2010 –sunny spells and thundery showers NW3/4
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded species were led by a Cuckoo and 3 Spotted Flycatcher along with small numbers of Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Robin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The steady build up of Teal continues and waders included 10 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Little Owl were the best of the rest.

Spotted Flycatcher

11th August 2010 –sunny spells and showers WNW3/4
Offshore
Just small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Manx Shearwater and Gannet were seen.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was the pick of the grounded birds which were otherwise limited to Willow Warbler and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.

Very few birds

10th August 2010 –showers WNW3/4
Offshore
Quiet again over the sea with just small numbers of Sandwich Tern and Gannet seen.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Wheatear was seen and Willow Warbler continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build and waders included Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper.
Moths
A rather faded Brown-veined Wainscot – first island record if confirmed - was the highlight of the moth trap.

Images
Brown-veined Wainscot

Disappointingly quiet

9th August 2010 – rain then showers SSE2/3
Offshore
Quiet again over the sea with just small numbers of Sandwich Tern and Gannet seen.
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warbler returned to a trickle and other sightings were limited to 2 Sedge Warbler and single Whitethroat and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers begin to build and waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Highlight of the moth traps was the second island record for Catoptria margaritella.

Passerines on the move

8th August 2010 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Again a little more activity than of late (0730-0830) with 112 Sandwich Tern, 55 Gannet, 47 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater and single Fulmar and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was highlighted by a single Stock Dove and Spotted Flycatcher amongst 20 alba Wagtail, 19 Willow Warbler, 18 Wheatear, 15 Stonechat, 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Greenshank - amongst 610 Redshank - 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Moths
Highlight of the moth traps were the island's second Dingy Footman and the first Garden Dart of the year.

Great Skua finally added to year list!

7th August 2010 – early showers then sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
The falling tide (1130-1230) provided more activity than of late with 136 Sandwich Tern, 62 Gannet, 39 Manx Shearwater, 11 Common Scoter and single Shag, Common Tern and Great Skua logged – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of Willow Warbler remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 850 Curlew, 300 Redshank, 210 Turnstone, 180 Sanderling, 70 Ringed Plover, 85 Grey Plover, 48 Knot, 12 Greenshank, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Little Egret remain in residence
Moths
A total of 44 species in the moth trap included the first Square Spot Rustic of the year.

Rain stops play!

6th August 2010 – rain SSE3/4
Offshore
The sea continues to disappoint with just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern logged early morning before the rain set in.
Grounded Migrants
Single Wheatear and Lesser Whitethroat were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret remains in residence.

Green Sandpiper reappears

5th August 2010 – early showers then sunny spells WNW3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter and Gannet along with 2 Razorbill escorting 2 half-grown juveniles – presumably from colonies to the north.
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warblers continue to trickle through and 2 Wheatear and a Lesser Whitethroat were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Green Sandpiper reappeared and other waders included 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
Moths
A Bordered Sallow was the pick of a reduced moth catch.
Images
Bordered Sallow


Waders continue to provide interest

4th August 2010 – early rain then sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warblers continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and single Ruff and Little Ringed Plover amongst 200 Dunlin.
Moths
Immigrants included Dark Sword Grass, Silver Y and Rusty Dot Pearl – the latter the first of the year.

Green Sandpiper new for the year

3rd August 2010 – overcast/drizzle at times W2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 70 Common Scoter and 40 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Green Sandpiper was newly arrived and additional waders included 23 Sanderling, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Ruff.
Moths
Trap totals continue to drop with just 200 moths of 47 species and Small Rufous the highlight.

Greenshank begin to build

2nd August 2010 – sunny spells W1
Offshore
Observations produced just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Lesser Whitethroat remains and a few Willow Warbler remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 13 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper and single Little Ringed Plover, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was a surprise find in the moth trap.

Images
Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Little Ringed Plover and Ruff remain

1st August 2010 – sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
The sea produced 40 Gannet, 29 Sandwich Tern, 12 Manx Shearwater, 3 Little Tern and a Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Whitethroat was amongst 12 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few Sand Martin moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and single Ruff and Little Ringed Plover.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.
Moths
The moth traps produced a total of 278 of 51 species including Cochylis dubitana along with the first Garden Rose Tortrix and Willow Beauty of the year.
Images
Cochylis dubitana
and Lesser Whitethroat