Skuas lead offshore passage

13th May 2007 - overcast, rain by evening V1/2
Offshore
Morning observations over the tide (0800-0900 & 1050-1150) were highlighted by a single pale phase Pomarine Skua and 8 Arctic Skua (5 dark, 3 pale), all heading into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 85 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 6 Guillemot, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Shag, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Scaup and a single Razorbill. Further observations at low tide (1600-1630) revealed a feeding flock of 50 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern and a Kittiwake in the mouth of the bay, which was attended by 10 Arctic Skua (6 dark, 4 pale).
Grounded Migrants
A total of 12 Wheatear were logged along with 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler and single Chaffinch and Blue Tit!
Diurnal Migration
A late Merlin flew through and a steady light passage through the morning provided totals of 120 Swallow and 11 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Passage waders included 4600 Dunlin, 20 Sanderling, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to roam the island.