Disappointing month draws to a close

31st May 2017 – sunny spells E1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea over high tide (1800-1830) provided 130 Common Scoter, 62 Sandwich Tern, 18 Gannet and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 45 Sanderling.
Moths
Buff Ermine and Ingrailed Clay were new for the year.
Ringing
A generally disappointing month with just 89 birds of 19 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets) Willow Warbler 28, Starling 21, (1), Goldfinch 8, (2), Chiffchaff 4, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Garden Warbler 2, Blackbird 2, (1), Greenfinch 1, (3), Linnet 1, (1), Song Thrush 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1, Robin 1, Redstart 1, Dunnock 1, (1), House Sparrow (2), Woodpigeon (1), Wren (1).

Long-tailed Duck still here

30th May 2017 – overcast/showers SW2/3
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck continues to consort with the Eiders. Waders included 18 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egret continue to linger.

Mediterranean Gull

29th May 2017 – overcast/heavy rain drier later E3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea (0730-0830) produced 224 Common Scoter, 77 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 14 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Skua and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Whitethroat was newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A few House Martin continue to arrive.
Wildfowl and Waders
The dark-bellied Brent Goose continues in residence and waders included 40 Grey Plover and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A first-summer Mediterranean Gull amongst 10 Black-headed Gulls was a surprise.
Moths
Immigrants included 9 Diamond-back and single Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y while newly emerged residents included Dusky Brocade, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Knot Grass and Small Clouded Brindle.

Arctic Skuas

28th May 2017 – sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 79 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 39 Guillemot, 33 Sandwich Tern, 22 Manx Shearwater, 16 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 2 Fulmar and 2 Arctic Skua.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was amongst another small influx of Red Admiral. Amongst the immigrants attracted to the moth trap overnight was Palpita vitrealis a migrant from southern Europe and the first island record. Also seen were 4 Diamond-back, 3 Silver Y, 2 Rusty Dot Pearl and a Dark Sword Grass

Hooded Crow

27th May 2017 – sun and showers ESE2/3
Offshore
A morning check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 110 Sandwich Tern, 47 Manx Shearwater, 43 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 4 Arctic Tern and single Little Tern and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
Single House Martin and Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Sanderling, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow fed on the tideline and a Barn Owl hunted the island.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was apparent and a Brimstone would appear to be the first island record. An Eyed Hawkmoth was new for the year.

Brent Goose continues to linger

26th May 2017 – hot and sunny SE1/2
Offshore
Just 2 Arctic Tern were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The lone dark-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger. Waders included 300 Sanderling, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Several immigrant Rusty Dot Pearl graced the moth trap.

Late summer migrants and winter lingerers

21st May 2017 – overcast/showers SE3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) were disappointing compared to yesterday with just 60 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 15 Manx Shearwater, 12 Arctic Tern, 10 Guillemot and 6 Little Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a late Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon and single dark-bellied Brent Goose remain and waders included 80 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A family party of Raven were logged.

Seabirds dominate sightings

20th May 2017 - overcast/showers S3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea proved productive with variety rather than quality producing 265 Manx Shearwater, 101 Sandwich Tern, 83 Guillemot, 78 Arctic Tern, 56 Gannet, 22 Razorbill, 21 Common Scoter, 7 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Wheatear, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The lone dark-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger and waders included 1055 Sanderling, 60 Grey Plover and 30 Bar-tailed Godwit.

Spring draws to a close?

19th May 2017 – overcast W1/2
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide produced just 8 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just a single Whimbrel was logged.
Miscellaneous
Both Jay and Long-tailed Tit show evidence of breeding on the island.

Déjà vu!

17th May 2017 – sunny spells WSW1/2
Offshore
Evening observations on the falling tide produced 15 Arctic Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet and 3 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff and single Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The single dark-bellied Brent Goose remains and waders included 1000 Dunlin and 500 Sanderling.
Butterflies and Moths
Poplar Hawk-moth, White Ermine and Cinnibar were all new for the year.

Arctic Terns and Spotted Flycatchers

16th May 2017 – overcast/brighter later SSW3/4
Offshore
Early evening observations (1615-1715) produced 55 Arctic Tern, 51 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Three Spotted Flycatcher and a Wheatear were all that was mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains and waders included 2000 Dunlin.
Moths
Migrants included Diamond-back Moth and Dark Sword-grass while Brimstone, was new for the year.

Seabird numbers begin to build

14th May 2017 – overcast/brighter later SSW4/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced 140 Gannet, 110 Guillemot, 110 Kittiwake, 78 Common Scoter, 38 Manx Shearwater, 18 Sandwich Tern, 5 Fulmar, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and an Arctic Tern. In addition the huge flock of 4000 Common Scoter were still massed in the mouth of Morecambe Bay.
Grounded Migrants
Slim pickings with just 2 Redstart, 2 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Fieldfare – the latter appears to be the latest ever recorded on the island.
Diurnal Migration
A few House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck and single dark-bellied Brent Goose remain and waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Bright-line Brown-eye was new for the year.

Passage waders

13th May 2017 – overcast/rain at times S4/5
Offshore
A large flock of 4000 Common Scoter have now assembled in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 112 Sandwich Tern, 80 Arctic Tern, 49 Gannet, 5 Little Tern and a single Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A further 7 Spotted Flycatcher arrived along with 7 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a female Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 5 House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck and single dark-bellied Brent Goose remain and waders included 5750 Dunlin, 1260 Sanderling, 925 Ringed Plover and 27 Whimbrel..
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown are now on the wing and Shoulder-striped Wainscot and Heart and Dart were new in the moth trap.

Spotted Flycatchers arrive with the rain

12th May 2017 – bright and sunny/rain later SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
The first 4 Spotted Flycatchers of the year arrived with the rain. Also seen were 5 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail flew through ahead on the rain band.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck and drake Wigeon continue to linger and waders included 8 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence.

Redstart and Whinchat

11th May 2017 – bright and sunny E2/3
Grounded Migrants
It has been a good spring for Whinchat – at least compared to recent years - with a further 2 birds logged. Also seen were 3 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Redstart and Goldcrest – the latter quite late for here.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow and House Martin continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Mallard chicks have now emerged and a few Whimbrel remain.
Moths
Small Square-spot and Clouded-bordered Brindle were new for the year.

More Whinchats

10th May 2017 – bright and sunny NE2, WSW2 later
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed a flock of 1000 Common Scoter in the mouth of Morecambe Bay.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence including 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat and single Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The dark-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger and waders included 9 Whimbrel and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Marbled Coronet was new for the year.

Osprey and Yellow Wagtail

8th May 2017 – bright and sunny NE2, WSW2 later
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed 4 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 20 Willow Warbler, 10 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat and a Yellow Wagtail – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey drifted north over the island at 1520hrs. Single Swift and Lesser Redpoll were amongst another light Swallow passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Wigeon continues to linger and waders included 30 Whimbrel, 13 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Moths
Dog’s Tooth and Spectacle were new for the year amongst another plague of Brown Silver-line.

Long-tailed Duck and summer plumaged Ruff

7th May 2017 – bright and sunny ESE1, WNW2 later
Offshore
A group of 8 Arctic Tern flew out of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds than of late with 28 Willow Warbler, 20 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Restart and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
The first House Martin of the year were amongst a steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Long-tailed Duck consorted with the Eiders and a dark bellied Brent Goose and 4 Shoveler continue to linger. Waders included 3 summer plumaged Ruff (2 male & female) along with 61 Whimbrel, 13 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Moths
Puss Moth and Rustic Shoulder Knot were new for the year amongst a plague of Brown Silver-line.

Swifts begin to arrive

6th May 2017 – sunny spells ENE 5/4/3
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0745-0845) produced just 18 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 14 Guillemot, 4 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Again just Wheatear and Willow Warbler were in evidence with 12 and 2 birds respectively.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 6 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3000 Dunlin, 2000 Knot, 67 Whimbrel and 4 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
Six Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Grasshopper Warbler were on territory and territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler continue to increase.

Marsh Harrier

5th May 2017 – bright and sunny ENE 4/5/6
Grounded Migrants
Only 8 Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A female/immature Marsh Harrier flew through mid-afternoon.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 59 Whimbrel and 4 Golden Plover.

Belgium Sandwich Tern

4th May 2017 – bright and sunny ENE5/6/7
Offshore
A handful of Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 78 Whimbrel.
Moths
Holly Blue – a recent addition to the island list are now on the wing.
Ringing
A Sandwich Tern – a recent Peregrine kill was found to be wearing a Belgium ring.

Migration stalls again!

3rd May 2017 – bright and sunny NE2/3/4/5
Offshore
A handful of Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 19 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included flocks of 8000 Dunlin and 5000 Knot along with 70 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.
Moths
Brown Silver-line dominated in the moth trap.

More Whinchats

2nd May 2017 – sunny spells ENE2/3
Offshore
Late afternoon observations on the rising tide produced just 30 Sandwich Tern, 6 Little Tern and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears remain to the fore with 41 birds logged along with 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Whinchat and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 59 Whimbrel and 6 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
Territorial Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat numbers continue to increase daily.
Moths
Dog’s Tooth was new for the year.

Ring Ouzel

1st May 2017 – early showers then sunny spells E3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0800) revealed 200 Common Scoter, 44 Gannet, 43 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Little Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A male Ring Ouzel headlined, also seen were 65 Wheatear, 12 Willow Warbler, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Whinchat and 2 Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow passage again stalled to a trickle.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Shoveler continue to lnger and waders included an impressive 10000 Knot along with 1200 Dunlin, 120 Sanderling, 65 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
There are now 2 Reed Warbler on territory and both Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat numbers continue to increase slowly.