18th July 2011 – rain/heavy at times/drier later WNW6/5/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-1030) were hampered by driving rain limiting visibility but produced single Great Skua and Storm Petrel amongst small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern and Arctic Tern. A drier slot in the weather (1430-1530) produced another Storm Petrel along with 110 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count was somewhat hampered by the prevailing weather conditions but the first waders are now beginning to return from their northern breeding grounds with 636 Oystercatcher, 601 Redshank, 464 Curlew, 148 Dunlin, 144 Knot, 74 Grey Plover, 34 Turnstone and 12 Sanderling amongst sightings recorded.
Breeding Birds
Sedge Warbler and Whitethoat seem to have had a successful breeding season on the island.
Butterflies
The first Grayling and Gatekeeper are now on the wing.
