Velvet Scoter heads offshore sightings

16th May 2007 - overcast/showers, rain later SW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0915 & 1050-1150) on the rising tide were highlighted by a female Velvet Scoter, 100 Arctic Tern (including flocks of 45, 20 & 28) and 9 Little Tern moving out of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 3 Shag, 40 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet, 13 Common Scoter, 9 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and a single dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Tree Sparrow was unusual for spring while 10 Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler were also logged. At least 1 Hooded Crow remains.
Diurnal Migration
A small passage of 10 Swallow and 2 House Martin was noted.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 16 Whimbrel and 5 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Moths
The largest attraction to the MV trap so far this year provided 19 species including Brown Silver-line, Buff Ermine, Lychnis, Spectacle, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Large Yellow Underwing - all new for the year - and 3 Small Elephant Hawk-moths