Record breaking ringing total for September

30th September 2014 – early showers S3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced the best movement for a while with 88 Common Scoter, 68 Razorbill, 34 Gannet, 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Little in evidence on the ground with just 6 Goldcrest the best on offer.
Diurnal Migration
Quieter than of late with just 100 Meadow Pipit, 80 Pied/White Wagtail, 50 Linnet, 30 Skylark, 25 Swallow, 15 Chaffinch,10 Tree Sparrow and 5 Grey Wagtail.
Ringing
The continuously calm, dry and settled month allowed for an above average number of days when mist-nets could be set and exceptional numbers of birds to be ringed. A total of 1286 birds of 26 species were handled, surpassing the previous best of 870 of 28 species in 2011. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Meadow Pipit 775 (1), Robin 82 (1), Goldcrest 75 (2), Goldfinch 71 (63), Tree Sparrow 38, Chaffinch 32, Chiffchaff 28, Wren 28, House Sparrow 12 (1), Blue Tit 8 (1), Dunnock 7 (1), Greenfinch 6 (3), Great Tit 6 (1), Stonechat 6 (1), Swallow 6, Willow Warbler 4, Whitethroat 4, Sparrowhawk 3, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Grey Wagtail 2, Blackbird 2 (6), Song Thrush 2, Blackcap 2, Reed Bunting 2, Skylark 1 and Linnet 1
Moths and Butterflies
Both Large Wainscot and Green-brindled Crescent were new for the year in the moth trap while butterflies included 10 Red Admiral and a Painted Lady.

Variety the order of the day

29th September 2014 – Sunny spells E1
Offshore
The sea provided 22 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A good variety, with 30 Robin, 30 Wren, 30 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Great Tit, 3 Wheatear, 3 Blue Tit, 2 White Wagtail and a Song Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again variety was the order of the day. Sightings through the morning involved 960 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Meadow Pipit, 300 Skylark, 210 Linnet, 150 Swallow, 90 Pied/White Wagtail, 60 Chaffinch, 35 Tree Sparrow, 10 Reed Bunting, 10 Grey Wagtail, 7 Jackdaw, 3 Collared Dove, 3 House Martin and 2 Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel and 3 Water Rail were heard.
Moths
Both Red-line Quaker and Black Rustic were new for the year.

Diurnal migration remains to the fore

28th September 2014 – overcast SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds included 18 Robin, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Stonechat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Passage remained strong with a further 1000 Meadow Pipit, 310 Linnet, 90 Swallow, 80 Chaffinch, 60 Skylark, 55 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Pied/White Wagtail, 12 Tree Sparrow, 7 Grey Wagtail and 6 Reed Bunting logged.
Miscellaneous
A little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
A Silver Y was the sole migrant attracted overnight.

Diurnal migration to the fore

27th September 2014 – sunny spells S3
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 31 Robin, 5 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Passage through the morning involved 1000 Meadow Pipit, 450 Linnet, 180 Skylark, 80 Pied/White Wagtail, 50 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Chaffinch, 16 Swallow, 11 Reed Bunting, 4 Grey Wagtail and 4 Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 660 Wigeon and 2 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to show and raptors included Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.

First Brent Geese arrive

25th September 2014 – overcast WNW 3/4
Offshore
A couple of checks over the sea revealed small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by a handful of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest
Wildfowl and Waders
The first group of 13 pale-bellied Brent Geese have returned and waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.

Pink-footed Geese flood south

21st September 2014 – overcast NE2/3
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern continue to linger over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 60 Robin, 24 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Stonechat and single Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were on the move from first light with 2120 birds logged, also seen were 4000 Meadow Pipit, 150 Skylark, 80 Swallow, 33 Tree Sparrow, 18 Pied/White Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier was the best of the rest.

Low key migration continues

20th September 2014 – overcast NE2/3
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern continue to linger over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 31 Robin, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Stonechat, 2 Willow Warbler and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Morning totals involved 2500 Meadow Pipit, 80 Linnet, 62 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Swallow, 20 Skylark, 15 Pied/White Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail and 3 Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Low key migration

19th September 2014 – overcast SE2/3
Offshore
Afew Sandwich Tern were again over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 12 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit remain to the fore with 1000 birds logged, also seen were 90 Swallow and 30 Linnet.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

An exceptional ringing day

16th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE1/2
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern were over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 15 Chiffchaff, 10 Robin, 10 Robin, 2 Blackcap and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit remain to the fore with 4000 birds logged, also seen were smaller numbers of Pink-footed Goose, Swallow, Pied/White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank.
Moths
Lunar Underwing was new for the year.
Ringing
An exceptional 230 birds were ringed, the majority were Meadow Pipit but with a sprinkling of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch and Dunnock.

A quieter day

14th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea (0715-0745) produced 95 Common Scoter, 26 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
More low key movement with 7 Robin, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A quieter day with 750 Meadow Pipit, 100 Swallow, 17 Pied/White Wagtail, 10 Skylark and 3 Grey Wagtail logged .
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to roam the island.

Diurnal movement begins to build

13th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE3/2/1
Offshore
A glance over the sea provided 50 Common Scoter and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Variety was the order of the day with 19 Robin, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Wheatear, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 2 Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed south and the skies also produced 2500 Meadow Pipit, 162 Pink-footed Goose, 75 Linnet, 18 Skylark, 15 Tree Sparrow, 12 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied/White Wagtail and a Tree Pipit .
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn.

First Pink-footed Geese head south

12th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE1/2
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern was all the sea could muster.
Grounded Migrants
Birds continue to trickle through with 10 Robin, 9 Wheatear and single Blackvap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
The first Pink-footed Geese of te autumn headed south with 131 birds logged, also seen were 300 Meadow Pipit, 80 Swallow and 8 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1585 Curlew, 240 Golden Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and a Peregrine were best of the rest.

Meadow Pipit passage begins to build

11th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed a small feeding flock of Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 6 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest and single Stonechat, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A further increase in movement provided 800 Meadow Pipit, 23 Pied/White Wagtail. 10 Swallow, 4 Skylark and a Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was best of the rest.

Little Stint still remain

10th September 2014 – hazy sun ESE1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed a feeding flock of 23 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 8 Robin 7 White Wagtail, 7 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Whinchat and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A slight increase in movement provided 140 Meadow Pipit, 130 Swallow, 25 Pied/White Wagtail, 5 Tree Sparrow and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Little Stint remain and other waders included 12000 Oystercatcher and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 20 Little Egret are now present across the island.

Little Stint remain

9th September 2014 – sunny spells WSW1/2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 306 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Variety rather than numbers with 10 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and single Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow and Meadow Pipit continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Little Stint remained.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Little Stint influx

8th September 2014 – suny spells WNW1/2
Offshore
Again a few Sandwich Tern was the best the sea could muster.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 7 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit and single Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swallow and Meadow Pipit was all that was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Little Stint increased to 5 birds and additional waders included 20 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering of 7 Little Egret was noted.

A quieter day

7th September 2014 – bright and sunny NE1 then NW3/4
Offshore
A total of 25 Sandwich Tern was the best the sea could muster.
Grounded Migrants
Clear blue skies produced little in thw way of grounded birds with 16 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat and single Whinchat, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 100 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow, 22 Tree Sparrow, 12 Pied/White Wagtail, 8 Grey Wagtail, 4 Skylark and a Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 610 Sanderling, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain the best of the rest.

A Wheatear day

6th September 2014 – overcast/early rain N2
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with just 16 Sandwich Tern and 11 Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning rain produced the best fall of the autumn so far with Wheatears to the fore with 160 birds logged also recorded were 40 Pied/White Wagtail, 30 Robin, 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 100 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow, 15 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail and single Tree Pipit and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1200 Redshank, 21 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Common Buzzard and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Little Stint double

5th September 2014 – overcast/murky SE1/2
Offshore
Early morning provided little other than 5 Sandwich Tern and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Another trickle of grounded birds included 10 Goldcrest, 8 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow and Meadow Pipit trickled through and 12 Tree Sparrow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 2 Little Stint present.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Raven were again best of the rest.

Pied Flycatcher new for year

4th September 2014 – overcast/murky SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
The trickle continues with 5 Robin, 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Flycatcher, and single Spotted Flycatcher and Sedge Warbler logged..
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin and Sand Martin were amongst an increase in Swallow movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Teal numbers continue to build and a Goosander was unusual, 21 Greenshank were logged and the Little Stint remained.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Raven were best of the rest.

Waderfest!

3rd September 2014 – overcast/murky SE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) provided 221 Common Scoter, 197 Sandwich Tern and 15 Gannet. Two Arctic Skua were offshore in the evening.
Grounded Migrants
A further smattering of sightings included 11Robin, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest and single Wheatear, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Both Common Buzzard and Jay were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were prominent with 4 Curlew Sandpiper and single Little Stint and Wood Sandpiper amongst the usual species.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret and a Merlin were also logged.
Moths and Butterflies
Six striped Rustic was new for the year and immigrants involved 7 Rusty Dot Pearl. Migrant butterflies included Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady amongst an influx of Red Admiral .

Tree Pipit finally on the year list!

31st August 2014 – sunny spells NNW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations provided 100 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 14 Robin, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
The first real evidence of movement this autumn produced 70 Tree Sparrow, 30 Swallow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 40 Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was logged.
Ringing
A total of 241 birds of 18 species were handled during the month, but where were the Willow Warblers. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). House Sparrow 44, Greenfinch 37, (10), Tree Sparrow 29, (1), Robin 25, Swallow 24, Willow Warbler 9, Sedge Warbler 7, (2), Dunnock 7, Whitethroat 6, Sand Martin 6, Goldfinch 6, (11), Reed Bunting 4, Blackbird 4, (1), Starling 2, (1), Woodpigeon 1, Wren 1, Stonechat 1, (1), Great Tit 1.
Moths
Grey Chi was new for the year.

Common Scoters head south

30th August 2014 – sunny spells WSW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0800) were dominated by a movement of Common Scoter with 965 birds logged, also seen were 80 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Robin and single Goldcrest and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret are now stalking the island.

Ruff

29th August 2014 – overcast/showers SW5/6
Offshore
Early afternoon observations (1300-1400) produced 200 Sandwich Tern, 16 Manx Shearwater, 13 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 7 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a solitary Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel and single Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was logged.