18th June 2025 – bright and sunny WNW1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 170 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet, 2 Puffin, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon reappeared.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Plants
A few Bee Orchid are now in bloom.
17th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 93 Manx Sheerwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 74 Common Scoter, 49 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Razorbill, 2 Puffin and a Kittiwake.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 106 moths of 45 species with Dark Arches the dominant species and White Satin, Drinker, Common Emerald and Single-dotted Wave were new for the year.
Miscellaneous
Post-breeding flocks of Starling have now developed.
16th June 2025 – bright and sunny SW1/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 220 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 84 Manx Shearwater, 26 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey and 2 Teal remain. The first Redshank have returned although a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A pod of 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Dragonflies
The first Emperor Dragonflies of the year were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown and Ringlet are now on the wing.
15th June 2025 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided 165 Manx Shearwater, 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 38 Common Scoter, 10 Arctic Tern and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey and Teal remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Insects
A Leaf-cutter Bee was tentatively identified as Megachile willughbiella.
13th June 2025 – sunny spells S4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 355 Common Scoter, 39 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 27 Canada Goose and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey reappeared and the first 2 Teal have returned while the light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Butterflies and Moths
Another small influx of Red Admiral was noted and the light trap held 106 moths of 38 species – with Flame Shoulder the dominant species while Mottled Beauty and Snout were new for the year.
12th June 2025 – hazy sun E4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0815) provided 280 Sandwich Tern, 212 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, 13 Canada Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 2 Puffin and a Mediterranean Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was noted.
11th June 2025 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 59 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 14 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose and single Puffin and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Miscellaneous
A flight of 4 Common Cranes dropped in briefly late morning.
10th June 2025 – sunny spells WNW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) provided 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and single Puffin and Shag. In addition, a flock of 1000+ Common Scoter were still over the mouth of the bay.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey remains.
Dragonflies
The Broad-bodied Chaser remains.
9th June 2025 – overcast/rain later WSW3/4
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was the first of the year while lingering waders and wildfowl included 3 Whimbrel and a light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 128 moths of 25 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Obscure Wainscot was new for the year.
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Keith Parkes. A long-standing member of the observatory and Secretary since the 1960’s Keith was also a part time Treasurer and a member of the ringing team, his commitment to the observatory will be truly missed.
8th June 2025 – overcast/showers W3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 56 Common Scoter, 37 Sandwich Tern, 17 Guillemot, 16 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 170 Sanderling were seen along with the first Wood Sandpiper of the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
7th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 63 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 30 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
6th June 2025 – early rain then sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 53 Sandwich Tern, 36 Gannet, 29 Common Scoter, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A Spotted Flycatcher was new.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
5th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon SW1/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0515-0715) revealed 145 Sandwich Tern, 81 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and single Common Tern and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 120 Sanderling were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
4th June 2025 – sun and showers WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0915) revealed 400 Manx Shearwater, 131 Kittiwake, 57 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
3rd June 2025 – rain clearing to sunny spells WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 100 Manx Shearwater, 53 Gannet, 37 Sandwich Tern, 23 Guillemot, 14 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
1st June 2025 – sun and showers SW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed 120 Common Scoter, 50 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 22 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet, 5 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Weasel was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 205 moths of 47 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Dark Spectacle, Straw Dot and Buff Ermine were new for the year.
26th May 2025 – overcast/WSW5/7 rain later
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0930) produced 305 Manx Shearwater, 152 Sandwich Tern, 85 Gannet, 43 Common Scoter, 43 Guillemot, 31 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 4 Fulmar and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Wigeon and Gadwall remain in residence.
25th May 2025 – bright and sunny W5/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0830) revealed 510 Manx Shearwater, 211 Guillemot, 123 Gannet, 111 Kittiwake, 95 Common Scoter, 79 Sandwich Tern, 26 Razorbill, 8 Arctic Skua, 4 Fulmar, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Long-tailed Duck and single Red-breasted Merganser and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall and 2 Wigeon remain.
Dragonflies
A female Broad-bodied Chaser was unusual – there are only a few previous island records.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 205 moths of 23 species – with Treble Lines, Flame Shoulder and Heart and Dart the dominant species while Dusky Brocade was new for the year.
24th May 2025 – overcast/rain clearing to showers WSW3/5
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea between the showers (0630-1130) produced 1465 Common Scoter, 720 Manx Shearwater, 425 Sandwich Tern, 260 Guillemot, 167 Gannet, 80 Kittiwake, 23 Razorbill, 9 Arctic Tern, 6 Fulmar, 6 Puffin, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and an Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Wigeon and Gadwall remain in residence and 400 Sanderling were the pick of the waders.
23rd May 2025 – bright and sunny/hazy NW1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 57 Guillemot, 54 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 7 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Manx Shearwater and 2 Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Gadwall remain in residence and a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Breeding Birds
The first Shelduck brood has emerged and several Mallard families were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 106 moths of 26 species – with Treble Lines, Heart and Dart and Small Square-spot were the dominant species while Campion was new for the year.
22nd May 2025 – overcast then sunny spells ENE3/4
Offshore
The sea (0630-0730) was quieter than of late but observations included a first-summer Little Gull amongst 60 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 12 Common Scoter, 7 Manx Shearwater, 3 Razorbill and 2 Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall and Wigeon remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 125 moths of 33 species – with Treble Lines, Flame Shoulder, Heart and Dart and Lime Speck Pug the dominant species while Mullein Wave and Archers Dart were new for the year.
21st May 2025 – bright and sunny/hazy NW1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0730) produced 730 Common Scoter, 410 Guillemot, 50 Sandwich Tern, 41 Razorbill, 29 Gannet, 15 Manx Shearwater, 10 Puffin, 6 Red-throated Diver and 4 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
House Martin and Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Gadwall remain in residence.
Breeding Birds
Following successful breeding in 2024 a male Goldcrest was again singing in suitable habitat on the island.
Cetaceans
Four Bottle-nosed Dolphin were also offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large Skipper are now on the wing and the light trap held 208 moths of 36 species – with Treble Lines, Flame Shoulder, Heart and Dart and Small Square-spot remain the dominant species while Heart and Club and Yellow-barred Brindle were new for the year.
19th May 2025 – overcast then sunny spells ENE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 1000 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 46 Gannet, 30 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Puffin, Arctic Skua and Long-tailed Duck. In addition, the large flock of Common Scoter remain assembled in the mouth of the bay.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall and Wigeon remain.
Cetaceans
Six Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 151 moths of 26 species – with Treble Lines, Flame Shoulder, Heart and Dart and Small Square-spot the dominant species.
18th May 2025 – bright and sunny E2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 125 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Scoter, 25 Guillemot, 24 Gannet, 10 Razorbill, 9 Manx Shearwater, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake and single Red-throated Diver and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A single Spotted Flycatcher was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Gadwall was the first for several years while waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Reptiles
A Common Lizard was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 287 moths of 41 species – the highest so far this year, totals remain dominated by Flame Shoulder and Treble Lines while Common Marbled Carpet, Garden Carpet, Tawny Shears, Mottled Rustic and Thistle Ermine were new for the year.
17th May 2025 – bright and sunny NE1/2 the W2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 160 Common Scoter, 150 Sandwich Tern, 48 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 6 Razorbill, 4 Puffin and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher were logged.
Breeding Birds
Several family parties of Long-tailed Tit were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was the best of the rest.
16th May 2025 – bright and sunny WNW1/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 305 Common Scoter, 260 Sandwich Tern, 46 Guillemot, 12 Gannet, 11 Kittiwake, 5 Puffin, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Shoveler, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
The first Greenfinch youngsters have now fledged and it was good to see House Martins are nest building.
Dragonflies
The Azure Damselfly is now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 166 moths of 32 species –totals were again dominated by Treble Lines while Nutmeg and Dark Arches were new for the year.
15th May 2025 – bright and sunny E2/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0530-0700) produced 134 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 80 Gannet, 18 Guillemot, 7 Manx Shearwater, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Tern and single Arctic Skua, Puffin and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A single House Martin was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel while a single Pink-footed Goose and Wigeon continue to linger.
Breeding Birds
Several Lapwing chicks were seen and the first Eiderlings have emerged.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine and Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 165 moths of 24 species, totals remain dominated by Flame Shoulder and Treble Lines. The first Dingy Skipper are now on the wing.
14th May 2025 – warm and sunny ENE3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0700) produced 350 Sandwich Tern, 144 Common Scoter, 100 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 12 Arctic Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Swift and 2 House Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow and another Marsh Harrier flew through
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
The first House Sparrow, Starling and Dunnock youngsters have now fledged while Meadow Pipit and Skylark are feeding young.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 189 moths of 30 species – the highest so far this year, totals were again dominated by Line-speck Pug Flame Shoulder and Treble Lines while Marbled Coronet, Flame, Large Yellow Underwing, Small Magpie and Poplar Hawkmoth were new for the year.
13th May 2025 – warm and sunny ENE3/5
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0530-0700) produced 460 Sandwich Tern, 160 Common Scoter, 49 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater, 7 Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Puffin
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Spotted Flycatcher was logged - the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Seven singing Reed Warbler are spread across five sites and the island holds a population of 115-125 territorial male Sedge Warblers.
Mammals
A Grey Squirrel was seen while recent sightings of Badger, Otter and Red Fox do not bode well for the island’s ground nesting species.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly have now all emerged.
12th May 2025 – warm and sunny E3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0700) before the heat haze from the hottest day of the year so far kicked in produced 495 Sandwich Tern, 86 Common Scoter, 120 Gannet, 61 Black-headed Gull, 6 Arctic Tern, 3 Puffin, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Chiffchaff was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Swift and House Martin were amongst 50 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 120 moths of 24 species, totals were dominated by Line-speck Pug and Treble Lines while Setaceous Hebrew Character and Heart and Dart were new for the year.
11th May 2025 – warm and sunny ENE2/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0530-0700) produced 505 Sandwich Tern, 72 Common Scoter, 41 Gannet, 14 Guillemot, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Puffin and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Lesser Whitethroat was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single light-bellied Brent Goose and Wigeon continue to linger and waders included 1345 Oystercatcher, 100 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Several Red Admiral were seen and the moth trap held 116 moths of 27 species, totals were dominated by Line-speck Pug, Treble Lines and Brown Silver-line while Silver Y and The Herald were the highlights.
10th May 2025 – warm and sunny ESE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 100 Guillemot, 82 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 10 Puffin, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Marsh Harrier flew through mid-morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Knot, 350 Dunlin, 120 Sanderling, 120 Ringed Plover and 7 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 101 moths of 24 species, totals were dominated by Line-speck Pug, Flame Shoulder and Brown Silver-line while Sandy Carpet was new for the year.
9th May 2025 – bright and sunny E1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 310 Sandwich Tern, 86 Common Scoter, 51 Gannet, 16 Red-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 5 Puffin and the first Common Tern of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Whinchat, Wheatear and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Pink-footed Goose while 32 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
8th May 2025 – sunny spells ESE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 94 Sandwich Tern, 63 Common Scoter, 31 Gannet, 20 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Puffin and Kittiwake. In addition, a flock of 1000 Common Scoter were off the north end of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap totals remain dominated by Flame Shoulder while Pebble Prominent was new for the year.
7th May 2025 – bright and sunny NW2/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea revealed 113 Sandwich Tern, 70 Guillemot, 60 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 14 Puffin, 4 Arctic Skua and single Arctic Tern, Kittiwake, Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single White Wagtail, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot, 450 Sanderling, 300 Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Hooded Crows were logged.
Breeding Birds
The first Stonechat juveniles have emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap totals remain dominated by Flame Shoulder and Brown Silver-line while Lychnis and Scalloped Hazel were new for the year.
6th May 2025 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 64 Sandwich Tern, 38 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Puffin and single Little Tern and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just single Wheatear, Whinchat and Blackcap were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Wigeon.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap totals remain dominated by Flame Shoulder and Brown Silver-line while White Ermine was new for the year.
5th May 2025 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) provided 83 Common Scoter, 33 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 9 Guillemot and single Puffin, Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff was seen.
Diurnal Migration
Two Yellow Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Grey Plover and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
4th May 2025 – sunny spells NE2/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0645-0745) revealed 195 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 17 Guillemot, 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Little Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through and 4 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap totals were dominated by Flame Shoulder while Rustic Shoulder-knot and Treble Lines were new for the year. The first Common Blue are now on the wing.
3rd May 2025 – sunny spells NW3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) provided 42 Common Scoter, 30 Guillemot, 24 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 7 Wheatear were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through and a Yellow Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 88 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and was not impressed by the arrival of 3 additional first-summer birds.
2nd May 2025 – sunny spells NNW1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) provided 66 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 28 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, 3 Little Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Shag and single Arctic Skua and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just 5 Wheatear and 4 Willow Warbler were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows trickled through and the first Swifts have returned.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Wigeon and Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and was again joined by a second individual.
1st May 2025 – warm and sunny after early mist SE1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) in poor visibility produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 67 Gannet, 32 Common Scoter, 22 Arctic Tern, 8 Guillemot, 5 Shag and an Arctic Skua. In addition, the huge flock of Common Scoter was still in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap and 4 Willow Warbler were seen along with 4 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A Hobby was the highlight along with 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Stock Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
Sedge Warbler numbers continue to increase at breeding sites across the island.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown and Small Copper are now on the wing.
30th April 2025 – warm and sunny/hazy/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations over the calm sea (0600-0700) provided 260 Sandwich Tern, 67 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Manx Shearwater. In addition, the large flock of Common Scoter remains in the mouth of the bay with 25,000 birds now present.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 7 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and single Grasshopper Warbler and Chiffchaff were seen were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A Red Kite drifted north over the island and 160 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler numbers continue to build across breeding sites.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap totals were again dominated by Brown Silver-line along with the first Least Black Arches and Chinese Character of the year. The first Red Admiral of the year was seen.
29th April 2025 – warm and sunny/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) provided 200 Sandwich Tern, 105 Common Scoter, 80 Gannet, 16 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Little Tern and 4 Shag. In addition, a calm sea revealed the presence of a huge flock of 20000 Common Scoter assembled in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 21 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 56 Whimbrel and single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap numbers were dominated by 44 Brown Silver-line along with the first Green Carpet of the year.
28th April 2025 – overcast start then sunny spells SW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0615-0715) provided 5220 Common Scoter, 328 Sandwich Tern, 127 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Arctic Tern, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Velvet Scoter, Little Tern and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 15 Wheatear and single White Wagtail, Blackcap and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 40 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering wildfowl involved 11 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 17 dark-bellied Brent Goose and 5 pale-bellied Brent Goose Waders were more prominent and included 3,120 Knot, 2,414 Oystercatcher, 2,180 Dunlin, 282 Sanderling, 172 Whimbrel, 126 Turnstone, 99 Ringed Plover, 45 Grey Plover, 21 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Golden Plover and 3 Greenshank.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Bar-tailed Godwit had been ringed on passage at Revtangen, Norway on 21st August 2024
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap numbers were dominated by Brown Silver-line and Black-headed Conch along with the first Dog’s Tooth of the year.
27th April 2025 – overcast start then sunny spells S2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0645-0745) were highlighted by a summer-plumaged Red-necked Grebe. Also seen were 220 Sandwich Tern, 110 Common Scoter, 75 Gannet, 51 Manx Shearwater, 20 Guillemot, 16 Red-throated Diver, 13 Little Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. In addition, the large flock of Common Scoter remains in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 23 Wheatear and a male Yellowhammer were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Whimbrel and 3 Greenshank. Just 4 pale-bellied and a dark-bellied Brent Goose were logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 58 moths of 15 species with Chamomile Shark, Ruby Tiger, Common Carpet and Bright-line Brown-eye new for the year.
26th April 2025 – overcast/murk/early drizzle SE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0615-0715) provided 262 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 14 Little Tern, 13 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot, 4 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 3 Willow Warbler and 3 Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again a few Swallows trickled flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 119 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank while 17 dark-bellied and 4 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
25th April 2025 – sunny spells E2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 230 Sandwich Tern, 62 Gannet, 17 Red-throated Diver, 17 Guillemot, 12 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and a solitary Willow Warbler and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 10 Pink-footed Geese headed north and the first House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and was joined by a second bird.
Breeding Birds
The first Lapwing and Mallard chicks have emerged and 6 Grasshopper Warbler and several Stonechat are now holding territories.
