Marsh Harrier continues its residency

29th June 2023 – bright and sunny WNW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 420 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet, 6 Guillemot and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Knot, 30 Redshank, 25 Grey Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and a Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier remain.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 40 Meadow Brown, 20 Small Skipper, 7 Comma and 4 Ringlet. The light trap attracted Scotch Smudge and Foxglove Pug – both new for the year. While an emergence of Mullein caterpillars was the target of the local Blackbirds.

Velvet Scoter

27th June 2023 – rain at times S3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 205 Common Scoter, 16 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet and a drake Velvet Scoter
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Turnstone and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted Buff Arches and Southern Wainscot – both new for the year.

Black Guillemot and Curlew Sandpiper

26th June 2023 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 280 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 28 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 7 Kittiwake, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin and a Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Gatekeeper are now on the wing and the light trap attracted 116 moths of 37 species with migrants involving 10 Silver Y.

Curlew Sandpiper remains

25th June 2023 – sunny spells and showers SSE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 265 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin and a Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 25 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remain.
Dragonflies
The two Azure Damselflies remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 125 moths of 45 species with V Pug, Rivulet, Silky Wainscot, Dot Moth and White-line Dart newly emerged.

Another Curlew Sandpiper!

24th June 2023 – sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 1845 Common Scoter, 215 Manx Shearwater, 110 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 12 Guillemot and a Fulmar and Mediterranean Gull – the latter the first of autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Turnstone and a Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow remain.

Southbound Red-throated Diver and Blackcap

23rd June 2023 – overcast/ light showers, rain in evening SE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 5200 Eider, 1270 Common Scoter, 365 Manx Shearwater, 67 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 3 Guillemot and a single Red-throated Diver, Little Tern and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The first southbound Blackcap was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Turnstone, 18 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, while the regularly seen white Curlew has returned for another autumn.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow remains.

Green Sandpiper new in

21st June 2023 –sunny spells SW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 665 Common Scoter, 635 Manx Shearwater, 95 Sandwich Tern, 37 Gannet, 24 Guillemot, 12 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Sanderling and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Dragonflies
Two Azure Damselflies were the first observatory record and a new record total of 42 Black-tailed Skimmer were seen while Brown Hawker was new for the year.
Butterflies and Moths
A migrant Painted Lady was the first of the year while Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling are now on the wing. The light trap attracted 130 moths of 41 species overnight, Dark Arches was the top species while a Sorrel Bent-wing appears to be the first record.

Manx Shearwater numbers begin to build

20th June 2023 – overcast/rain soon NE1
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0800) produced 1255 Common Scoter, 595 Manx Shearwater, 255 Sandwich Tern, 154 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and single Puffin and Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 31 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light attracted 100 moths of 42 species overnight and recent attractions include Ghost Moth, Garden Tiger, Dingy Footman, Sand Dart, Single-dotted Wave, Peach Blossom, Mother of Pearl and Yarrow Plume – the latter appears to be the first record.

Little change!

19th June 2023 –sun and showers SSW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 130 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 41 Gannet, 29 Manx Shearwater, 5 Little Tern and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover have managed to produce a few young and post-breeding flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch are already starting to form. The first broods of Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler have now emerged. While several Grasshopper Warbler and at least five Reed Warbler continue to hold territory.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow remain.

Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow still in residence

18th June 2023 –sun/showers E2/3, storms in evening
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 100 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
Wildfowl have had a reasonable breeding season with plenty of broods recently in evidence involving Little Grebe, Mallard, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Eider, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose and Greylag Goose.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow are both still in residence.

No surprises today!

16th June 2023 –bright and sunny/hot E2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 335 Common Scoter, 185 Manx Shearwater, 51 Gannet, 42 Sandwich Tern, 20 Little Tern, 5 Guillemot and 5 Canada Goose.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll and Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Small Skipper and Ringlet are now on the wing and the light trap attracted 176 moths of 46 species with Clay, Double square-spot and Wormwood Pug new for the year.

Long-tailed Duck surprise

15th June 2023 –bright and sunny/hot ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 285 Common Scoter, 270 Manx Shearwater, 135 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 9 Kittiwake, 4 Little Tern and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Long-tailed Duck was a surprise and waders continue to be well-represented with 1000 Knot, 120 Dunlin, 60 Grey Plover, 52 Curlew, 41 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Sanderling and single Greenshank and Whimbrel logged.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow continue in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 127 moths of 40 species with Heart and Dart the top species and Riband Wave, Smoky Wainscot and Archer’s Dart new for the year.
Dragonflies
A record 32 Black-tailed Skimmer were seen and additional sightings included 22 Four-spotted Chaser, 14 Emperor Dragonfly and 8 Common Darter – the latter the first of the year.

Little Stint remains

14th June 2023 –bright and sunny/hot ENE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 485 Common Scoter, 290 Manx Shearwater, 220 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 8 Little Tern and 3 Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Little Stint remains and additional waders included 50 Grey Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and single Snipe and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and female Marsh Harrier continue in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 136 moths of 37 species with Dark Arches the top species and Lesser Yellow Underwing and Barred Straw new for the year.

Waderfest!

13th June 2023 –bright and sunny/hot ENE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 555 Common Scoter, 81 Manx Shearwater, 75 Sandwich Tern, 9 Gannet, 5 Little Tern and 3 Teal.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains and another new Reed Warbler was seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot, 50 Dunlin, 40 Grey Plover, 20 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and single Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and female Marsh Harrier continue in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 156 moths of 56 species including White Colon – a local sand dune speciality.

Curlew Sandpiper remains, first Greenshank returns

12th June 2023 – misty start then bright and sunny/hot/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the mist began to clear and before the heat haze kicked in (0600-0700) produced 1130 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 11 Guillemot, 9 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin and a Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
Single Cuckoo, Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains and additional waders included 900 Knot, 50 Grey Plover, 21 Sanderling and the first Greenshank of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier both remain.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 190 moths of 45 species with migrants represented by 2 Diamond-backed moths.

Another Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper

11th June 2023 – bright and sunny/hot E3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) 660 Common Scoter, 150 Manx Shearwater, 50 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Guillemot and a Little Egret.
Grounded Migrants
Two juvenile Stonechat, 2 juvenile Blue Tit and a juvenile Grey Wagtail were the product of post-breeding dispersal.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 12 Swift, 2 Collared Dove and a House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers are already beginning to build with 14 birds logged. Waders included single Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper amongst 30 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
An influx of Red Admiral was noted with at least 70 seen, including 30 on one bush, and the first Meadow Brown are now on the wing. The light trap attracted 171 of 44 species with Snout, Straw Dot, Mottled Beauty, Light Arches, Shark and Archer’s Dart new for the year and a Shore Wainscot the rarest sighting.

Puffins and Goosanders

10th June 2023 – bright and sunny/hot E3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) involved 90 Sandwich Tern, 57 Common Scoter, 37 Manx Shearwater, 16 Kittiwake, 14 Gannet, 11 Canada Goose, 11 Greylag Goose, 7 Little Tern, 6 Guillemot, 5 Puffin, 2 Goosander and a Little Egret.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to attend 3 hybrid young.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large Skipper are now on the wing.

Late movement continues

7th June 2023 – overcast start then sunny ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) involved 260 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 18 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 159 moths of 37 species with Thistle Ermine and Shore Wainscot the highlights.

Wildfowl and Waders

6th June 2023 – overcast start then sunny ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0730) involved 2285 Common Scoter, 175 Sandwich Tern, 82 Manx Shearwater, 40 Gannet, 5 Little Tern, 4 Shoveler, 3 Razorbill, 2 Shag and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1045 Knot, 885 Sanderling, 197 Dunlin, 104 Grey Plover, 56 Ringed Plover and 41 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Marsh Harrier continues its residency

5th June 2023 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0730) involved 700 Common Scoter, 260 Sandwich Tern, 112 Manx Shearwater, 30 Shelduck, 24 Guillemot, 19 Gannet, 18 Canada Goose, 3 Puffin and 3 Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 70 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow remain.
Dragonflies
The first Emperor Dragonfly are now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted Shore Wainscot, Buff Ermine and Dusky Brocade.

Early or late movement?

4th June 2023 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) involved 375 Common Scoter, 165 Sandwich Tern, 35 Canada Goose, 29 Gannet, 24 Manx Shearwater, 19 Guillemot, 5 Puffin, 2 Little Tern and 2 Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Single Cuckoo and Wheatear were either early or late.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Teal was seen – the first of the autumn?
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Common Scoter still moving through

3rd June 2023 – bright and sunny WNW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) involved 1825 Common Scoter, 120 Sandwich Tern, 25 Manx Shearwater, 24 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Puffin and single Common Tern and Tufted Duck.
Breeding Birds
Perhaps 8 Territorial Reed Warbler are on the island.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Roe Deer was seen.
Dragonflies
The first Black-tailed Skimmer are now on the wing amongst 45 Four-spotted Chaser.
Butterflies and Moths
Field sightings included 2 Mother Shipton and 2 Dingy Skipper.

Marsh Harrier and another Curlew Sandpiper

2nd June 2023 – bright and sunny ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) involved 65 Common Scoter, 32 Sandwich Tern, 29 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 2 Puffin, 2 Razorbill, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Fulmar and Wigeon.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper was the third bird of the spring.
Breeding Birds
Several broods of Shelduck and Stonechat were logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and the female Marsh Harrier put in another appearance.

A quiet start to the month

1st June 2023 – bright and sunny ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea involved 160 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 6 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Tern and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher and a Willow Warbler were logged.
Breeding Birds
The first Eiderlings have now emerged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.