2nd April 2011 – early rain then sunny SW5/4/3/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1100) were timed to coincide with the clearance of heavy rain and the results were impressive. Highlights involved 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 dark phase Arctic Skua and single pale phase Pomarine Skua and adult Little Gull. The supporting cast involved 130 Kittiwake, 100 Sandwich Tern, 95 Common Scoter, 95 Gannet, 14 Red-throated Diver, 12 Guillemot, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Fulmar, 5 Razorbill and 4 Shag
Grounded Migrants
A noticeable increase in grounded birds with a small fall evident which included 18 Pink-footed Geese, 13 Wheatear, 12 Willow Warbler, 10 Blackbird, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and single Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, White Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll.
Diurnal Migration
Birds began to appear as the weather front moved through with 250 Meadow Pipit, 10 Swallow, 2 Kestrel and a House Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 122 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds and waders included a Purple Sandpiper amongst 200 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
