2nd May 2012 – overcast/calm then sunny spells V2
Offshore
There was little time to look over the sea and consequently sightings were limited to 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned to calm and overcast conditions and it quickly became evident that one of the best falls ever witnessed on the island in the spring, due to the variety and numbers involve, had taken place. Nearly every bush, hedgerow, field and fence line seemed to hold birds and final totals involved 310 Willow Warbler, 255 Wheatear, 46 Blackcap, 12 Whinchat, 12 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 8 Redstart, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and single White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Although somewhat overlooked the skies added to the variety with 500 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Siskin and Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and wader sightings were led by 57 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn and Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island, 2 Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were seen and a Raven was logged.
