Ortolan Bunting surprise

31st August 2008 - overcast, rain soon/calm
Rarities
The day began brightly when an Ortolan Bunting showed well at times (0855-1005) before the rain set in to dampen spirits and no further sightings were forthcoming.
Offshore
Although there were no coordinated observations undertaken records included 30 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag and 2 Arctic Skua (1 dark, 1 pale).
Diurnal Migration
Further evidence of movement included 100 Swallow, 20 alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 10 Sand Martin, 6 Grey Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit and 3 Swift.
Grounded Migrants
Five Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret and a single Merlin were logged.

Further evidence of movement

30th August 2008 - overcast SE1/2
Offshore
A brief check offshore early morning produced a feeding flock of 300 Sandwich Tern, 10 Arctic Tern and 2 Common Tern along with 21 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet and 4 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Numbers begin to build with 200 Swallow, 40 alba Wagtail, 12 Grey Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin, 10 House Martin and a Tree Pipit logged.
Grounded Migrants
Variety if not quantity with 10 White Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain and raptors included 3 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Merlin.

Passerines finally on the move

29th August 2008 - overcast/calm
Offshore
A token glance over calm seas early morning produced 40 Sandwich Tern attended by 5 Arctic Skua (2 pale, 3 dark), 15 Gannet, 6 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
The first notable movement of the autumn produced 40 Meadow Pipit, 25 Swallow, 20 alba Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Snipe and a Sand Martin.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall involved 26 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Robin and single Sedge Warbler and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was logged and raptors included Merlin and Sparrowhawk.

First Little Gull of the autumn

28th August 2008 - damp start then overcast SW3/4
Offshore
Yet again the sea provided the main focus for attention and two periods of observation (0900-1000 & 1200-1300) produced totals of 150 Sandwich Tern, 80 Manx Shearwater, 45 Gannet, 27 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Arctic Skua (3 dark, 1 pale) and an adult Little Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was the only notable sighting logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain.

Still wet and windy

27th August 2008 - overcast rain soon SW3/4
Offshore
Weather conditions meant that activity was once again mainly focused on the sea where observations prior to the rain setting in (0830-1000) produced 555 Manx Shearwater, 100 Sandwich Tern, 95 Common Scoter, 60 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 8 Fulmar and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 7 Stonechat and single Whinchat and Wheatear sheltered from the wind and rain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 13 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret remain.

Conditions remain poor

26th August 2008 - rain SW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations in driving rain and low visibility (0900-1000) produced 16 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Skua and a Razorbill. A brief check (1100) produced 2 further Arctic Skua..
Grounded Migrants
Swallow numbers begin to build with a flock of 120 birds feeding low over the cattle fields. The only other sighting of note involved a single Whinchat.

Traditional bank holiday washout

25th August 2008 - overcast/drizzle S4/5/6
Offshore
Morning sightings through the persistent gloom and drizzle (0900-1100) were limited to 70 Manx Shearwater, 50 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 6 Kittiwake and a single dark phase Arctic Skua. Late afternoon produced an additional 4 dark phase Arctic Skua.

Seabirds continue to dominate

24th August 2008 - early showers then sunny SW3
Offshore
Morning sightings (0800-1000) produced totals of 2175 Manx Shearwater, 105 Sandwich Tern, 105 Common Scoter, 90 Gannet, 7 Arctic Skua, 3 Fulmar and 2 Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat were the pick of a meagre bunch.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret remain and 2 Raven were seen.
Dragonflies
Migrant Hawker - the first of the year, Brown Hawker and several Common Darter were logged.

Shearwaters continue to star

23rd August 2008 - sunny spells/rain by evening SW1/2/3
Rarities
Single Balearic Shearwaters flew south (0745 & 0820) amongst a heavy Manx Shearwater passage.
Offshore
Two periods of observation (0700-0900 & 1500-1700) produced record numbers of Manx Shearwater with 5450 birds logged. Also seen were 215 Common Scoter, 170 Sandwich Tern, 95 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Fulmar and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings on the land remained scarce with just 15 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail and small numbers of Robin and Willow Warbler logged.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret and Merlin were seen.

Manx Shearwaters still on the move

22nd August 2008 - early showers then sunny spells NW1/2/3
Offshore
A flurry of activity following early morning showers (0615-0715) produced 1000 Manx Shearwater, 180 Common Scoter, 50 Gannet, 45 Sandwich Tern, 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale) and a single Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Again thin on the ground with just 4 Wheatear and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Little Egret remain and 2 Merlin were seen.

Heavy Manx Shearwater passage

21st August 2008 - sunny spells W1/2/3/4
Offshore
A heavy early morning passage of Manx Shearwater (0600-0730) produced 2250 birds, also seen were 75 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet and 6 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 35 Wheatear however other sightings were limited to a few Robin and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 33 Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Owl and Little Egret were seen.

Robins begin to move

20th August 2008 - overcast/showers W3/2/1
Offshore
The 2 Shag remain and morning sightings (0615-0715) involved 405 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake and single Great Skua, Arctic Tern and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo continues to linger and other grounded migrants were limited to 3 Wheatear and a few Robin.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift was the only sighting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 110 Grey Plover - many still in sparkling summer plumage, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret continue to stalk the eastern shore.

Early morning movement offshore

19th August 2008 - showers W3/4
Offshore
Morning sightings (0615-0715) included 780 Common Scoter, 180 Manx Shearwateer, 80 Sandwich Tern, 65 Gannet and 6 Teal.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with just small numbers of Wheatear and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A quiet day, a group of 5 Whimbrel and single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper were the only notable sightings logged.

Spotted Redshank newly arrived

18th August 2008 - rain SE2/3
Offshore
A cursory glance over the sea early evening produced 2 Shag and small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains, however, sightings remain sparse with just 3 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal increased markedly with 77 birds recorded, waders included a newly arrived juvenile Spotted Redshank along with 3 Greeenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Two Red-legged Partridge were perhaps the last survivors of past introductions and single Merlin and Little Egret were seen.

First Wigeon of the autumn and a migrant Marsh Harrier

17th August 2008 - sun and showers SSE3/2
Offshore
Morning sightings (0800-1000) included 300 Common Scoter, 110 Manx Shearwater, 90 Gannet and 41 Sandwich Tern. The high tide period produced 2 Common Tern among a roost of 120 Sandwich Tern and 2 Shag fed offshore.
Diurnal Migration
A Marsh Harrier flew south late morning.
Grounded Migrants
The continued meagre rations were led by a Cuckoo.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Wigeon of the autumn were logged and waders included 24 Greenshank amongst good numbers of Redshank and a single Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin continues to hunt the island.

Ruff new for the year

16th August 2008 - sunny spells SE4
Offshore
Despite the "unsuitable" conditions early morning (0745-0945) saw an increase in activity with 130 Manx Shearwater, 60 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 3 Little Tern and a Common Tern logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 5 Swift flew south.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining quiet, although 11 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were led by 2 Ruff - the first for the year - also seen were 770 Curlew, 590 Redshank, 355 Turnstone, 255 Ringed Plover, 225 Sanderling, 175 Dunlin, 45 Knot, 42 Golden Plover, 3 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.

Remaining quiet

15th August 2008 - overcast SW3/2
Offshore
Remaining quiet with just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern seen.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat, Wheatear and Grasshopper Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 3 Greenshank was the only notable record.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret remain.

Early Little Egret influx

14th August 2008 - overcast SW3/2
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea early morning with just 13 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and 6 Sandwich Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by the third Cuckoo of the autumn, 3 Wheatear and several Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel was the only record of note logged.
Miscellaneous
An earlier than usual autumn build up of Little Egret saw 8 birds roosting over the tide.

Generally quiet

13th August 2008 - sunny spells/showers SW1/2
Offshore
A cursory glance over the sea early morning set the theme for the day with just 32 Sandwich Tern and 20 Gannet seen.
Grounded Migrants
Still thin on the ground with just 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Whitethroat providing any interest.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 4 Swift skirted an early afternoon shower and 14 Sand Martin were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 210 Turnstone, 160 Sanderling, 100 Ringed Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail and 3 Little Egret were logged.

Again only weather for seawatching

12th August 2008 - overcast/rain then showers SSE2
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1100) carried out in persistent rain were led by 2 Storm Petrel and 2 Great Skua, also seen were 110 Gannet, 42 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter, 13 Common Tern and 4 Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 5 Black-tailed Godwit were newly arrived and 2 Greenshank were logged.

Still seawatching

11th August 2007 - overcast/showers SW3/4
Offshore
A Storm Petrel led the morning sightings on the falling tide (0815-0915), also seen were 46 Gannet, 22 Sandwich Tern, 12 Manx Shearwater, 2 Common Scoter and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were the only sighting of note.

Seawatching conditions continue to prevail

10th August 2008 - overcast/showers then sun SW4/5
Offshore
Morning sightings on the falling tide (0730-0930) included 140 Gannet, 55 Sandwich Tern, 52 Manx Shearwater, 41 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar and a single Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo continues to linger and 4 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 Green Sandpiper remain and 11 Greenshank were seen.

Seawatching takes centre stage

9th August 2008 - overcast, rain soon, then showers SSW3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0600-0900) before the rain set in produced 1030 Manx Shearwater, 115 Gannet, 36 Common Scoter, 2 dark phase Arctic Skua and single Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Sandwich Tern. As the rain turned to showers on the rising tide (1420-1720) further observations produced 145 Manx Shearwater, 115 Gannet, 52 Sandwich Tern, 50 Common Scoter, 15 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Skua (1 dark, 1 pale) and an Arctic Tern.

Green Sandpipers increase

8th August 2008 - bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
A quick check offshore (0630-0715) produced 30 Gannet, 20 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and pale phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo remains and 30 Willow Warbler were new in along with 7 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and a Garden Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Green Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Stonechat second broods are now beginning to fledge.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.

More of the same

7th August 2008 - overcast S1
Offshore
Early morning observations on the falling tide (0515-0715) produced 225 Common Scoter, 220 Manx Shearwater, 140 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 dark phase Arctic Skua and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Disappointingly quiet with little evidence to suggest any new arrivals and just a Cuckoo and several Willow Warbler remaining from previous days.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Green Sandpiper remains while 5 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel were seen. Shoreline waders are beginning to build with 190 Ringed Plover, 160 Turnstone and 110 Sanderling logged.

Strong Manx Shearwater movement

6th August 2008 - overcast/showers S3/2/1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0515-0715) were dominated by a southerly movement of 2090 Manx Shearwater. Also seen were 100 Gannet, 28 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Scoter and a single Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher were among a paltry 4 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Green Sandpiper remain.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl hunted at dusk and 2 Little Egret continue to show.

Little Egrets remain

5th August 2008 - overcast, drizzle soon E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Further small-scale movement included 16 Willow Warbler, 8 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 80 Ringed Plover, 30 Sanderling and 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Little Egret remain.

First Merlin reappears

4th August 2008 - sunshine and showers W3
Offshore
Again disappointingly quiet over the sea early morning (0615-0715) with just 40 Common Scoter, 22 Sandwich Tern and 14 Gannet logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds continue to trickle through with 10 Willow Warbler and 5 Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 Green Sandpiper were seen along with 6 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The first Merlin of the autumn was seen and a Barn Owl hunted at dusk. At least 2 Little Egret remain.

Garganey headlines

3rd August 2008 - suuny spells SW3/4
Offshore
A very quiet morning over the sea (0800-0900) with just 15 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet and a Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo took top billing with a supporting cast of 4 Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Garganey was newly arrived and waders included 130 Sanderling, 16 Golden Plover, 12 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Butterflies
Butterflies included 29 Gatekeeper, 26 Speckled Wood and 12 Wall Brown.
Dragonflies
A Brown Hawker was logged.

Little Ringed Plover reappears

2nd August 2008 - sunny spells S3
Offshore
Morning sightings (0730-0900) involved 140 Sandwich Tern, 75 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 28 Manx Shearwater and single Fulmar and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 20 Pied Wagtail, 4 Willow Warbler and a single Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was presumably one of the birds seen previously, also seen were 18 Greenshank amongst 700 Redshank, and 15 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret were logged.
Butterflies
The first Grayling were on the wing.

Cuckoo steals the show

1st August 2008 - sunshine and showers
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 68 Sandwich Tern, 27 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Shelduck and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was the pick of the bunch with 8 Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat also seen as birds continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Although 23 Whimbrel were among 670 Curlew most shoreline waders continue to build only slowly with 56 Turnstone, 36 Golden Plover, 36 Grey Plover, 36 Knot, 30 Sanderling, 16 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Black-tailed Godwit recorded. However the majority of these birds are still in pristine summer dress.