Weather too good!

31st May 2009 - bright and sunny ENE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0700) provided just small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Sandwich Tern, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A bizarre assortment of 2 Collared Dove and single Woodpigeon and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single drake Wigeon and Shoveler continue to linger.
Mammals
At least 3 Hare and a single Stoat were seen.

Velvet Scoter surprise

30th May 2009 - bright and sunny SE3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) were slow with just 11 Razorbill, 11 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Kittiwake and a pale phase Arctic Skua logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Velvet Scoter consorting with a small group of Eider was a surprise and both Wigeon and Shoveler were logged. A Black-tailed Godwit was the pick of the waders.
Breeding Birds
A Water Rail remains in suitable breeding habitat and the first broods of Shelducklings have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The influx of Painted Ladies continues unabated with random transect counts locating 185 individuals and suggesting that many 100's and perhaps even 1000's are now scattered across the island, it would appear that the Silver Y is also associated with this influx. The first Small Copper are now on the wing.
Dragonflies
The first Blue-tailed Damselflies are now emerging.

Bits and Pieces

29th May 2009 - bright and sunny SE3
Offshore
Early morning activity (0800-0900) produced 58 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and single pale phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Single Whitethroat and Wheatear were evidence of some movement.
Diurnal Migration
A few House Martin continue to pass through.
Butterflies and Moths
Small numbers of Painted Lady continue arrive off the sea and the first Poplar Hawkmoth of the season was recorded.

Seabirds continue to provide main interest

28th May 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times SW3/4
Offshore
Morning sightings (0830-0930) included 68 Sandwich Tern, 49 Gannet, 19 Kittiwake, 15 Manx Shearwater, 14 Guillemot, 2 Common Tern and a single dark phase Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow and House Martin are still moving through.
Butterflies
Both Dingy Skipper and Common Blue are now on the wing.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser and Large Red Damselfly were new for the year.

Seawatching conditions continue to prevail

27th May 2009 - overcast/early rain turning to showers W4/5
Offshore
Observations over the tide (1245-1445) produced 300 Manx Shearwater, 130 Sandwich Tern, 34 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 22 Fulmar, 17 Guillemot, 9 Kittiwake and 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale).
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 5 Whimbrel continue to linger.

Black Guillemot tops seawatch

26th May 2009 - sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
The windy conditions turned attention to the sea and variety rather than quantity was the order of the day. Observations (0730-0830 & 1145-1245) produced 100 Gannet, 55 Sandwich Tern, 22 Guillemot, 21 Manx Shearwater, 11 Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, 3 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase) and a Black Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Collared Dove hurtled in off the sea.
Mammals
Both Brown Hare and Stoat were logged.

Bank Holiday Blues

25th May 2009 - bright and sunny SE1
Offshore
Observations over blue seas with a light offshore breeze provided just small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The clear blue skies were not conducive to producing grounded birds, however, a Cuckoo was the pick of sightings which also included a Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Again small numbers of Swallow and House Martin were logged flying in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwit.
Breeding Birds
Small numbers of Eider chicks are now beginning to emerge and post-breeding flocks of Starling are now starting to congregate.

Only low key monitoring

24th May 2009 - bright and sunny/calm
Grounded Migrants
The only evidence of new arrivals involved 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Chaffinch and Collared Dove.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin were again on the move early morning.
Butterflies
The first Wall Brown are now on the wing and a few migrant Painted Ladies were logged.

Pomarine Skuas finally appear

23rd May 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times SW1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced a flock of 12 Pomarine Skua drifting into the bay on the flooding tide, rising into the air when flushed by a fishing boat they circled up to disappear into the gloom. Additional sightings (0840-0940, 1330-1400 & 1630-1730) produced totals of 155 Manx Shearwater, 103 Sandwich Tern, 78 Common Scoter, 70 Guillemot, 51 Gannet, 35 Kittiwake, 9 Arctic Tern, 6 Razorbill, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 5 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Wigeon looks set to over summer and waders included 9 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
An out of season Raven was unusual.

Another generally uneventful day

22nd May 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times SW3
Offshore
Observations (0705-0720 & 1250-1350) proved generally uneventful with totals of 28 Manx Shearwater, 26 Sandwich Tern, 23 Gannet, 10 Common Scoter, 9 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua (dark) and single Fulmar, Kittiwake and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Wheatear provided evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
A solitary Whimbrel was the sole notable record.

Just a quick visit

21st May 2009 - sunny periods SW3
Grounded Migrants
Four newly arrived Wheatear were seen and single Lesser Redpoll and Collared Dove were also logged.
Breeding Birds
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn and the first broods of Stonechat are now on the wing.

Just a few seabirds

20th May 2009 - sunshine and showers SW4/3/2/1
Offshore
Observations (0630-0730 & 1615-1645) produced totals of 90 Sandwich Tern, 75 Gannet, 70 Common Scoter, 60 Guillemot, 22 Manx Shearwater, 4 Arctic Tern, 2 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Collared Dove were the only hint of any movement.

Further low key activity

19th May 2009 - sunshine after early showers S4/3/2
Offshore
Morning observations 0530-0730 produced 270 Common Scoter, 150 Sandwich Tern, 80 Gannet, 70 Guillemot, 10 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Tern and single Kittiwake and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Again scant fare with just single Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler likely new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin remain on the move.

Seawatching again

18th May 2009 - early rain fading to showers
Offshore
Evening observations (1615-1715 & 1935-2005) produced totals of 200 Manx Shearwater, 120 Sandwich Tern, 100 Gannet, 34 Kittiwake, 24 Guillemot, 4 Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 2 pale), 3 Razorbill, 2 Common Scoter and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The dismal spring continues with just a single Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to trickle through.

Seawatching saves the day

17th May 2009 - sunshine and showers SE5/4/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0930) produced 200 Gannet, 165 Sandwich Tern, 19 Common Scoter, 15 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Shag, 2 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear troubled the scorers.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings were led by 3 Whimbrel.

Velvet Scoter, Curlew Sandpiper and Puffin

16th May 2009 - sunshine and showers SE4/5
Offshore
A good day over the sea which provided variety rather than quantity. Sightings were led by 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 Puffin and 2 dark phase Arctic Skua with a supporting cast (0730-0930 & 1240-1340) of 200 Sandwich Tern, 160 Common Scoter, 46 Gannet, 18 Manx Shearwater, 4 Shag, 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Common Tern, 2 Fulmar and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to just 3 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Small-scale movement continues to take place with 30 Swallow, 4 Collared Dove, 3 Jackdaw and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings were led by a Curlew Sandpiper amongst a flock of 1000 Dunlin, 230 Ringed Plover and 12 Sanderling. In addition, 3 Whimbrel were seen.

It never rains but it pours

15th May 2009 - rain/heavy at times ENE4/3/2/1
Offshore
Morning sightings in persistent heavy rain (0830-0930) were limited to 105 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 2 Common Scoter and single Arctic Tern and dark phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Ruff continues to linger and 7 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper were logged.

Spotted Flycatchers finally arrive

14th May 2009 - sunny spells NE4/5
Offshore
Remaining very quiet over the sea with just 100 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet and a single Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Spotted Flycatchers arrived in force with at least 20 birds logged, also seen were 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 5 Swift provided the only interest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Ruff remained and 16 Whimbrel were seen.

First Ruff of the year

13th May 2009 - bright and sunny, rain by evening NE5
Offshore
Again proving quiet (0800-0900) excepting 145 Sandwich Tern just 16 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and a single Red-throated Diver were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another disappointing showing with just 3 Willow Warbler and single Chiffchaff, Wheatear and Siskin.
Diurnal Migration
Again a trickle of hirundines with 20 Swallow, 12 House Martin and 2 Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Whimbrel and the first Ruff of the year.

Not a lot!

12th May 2009 - bright and sunny E4/5
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea (0730-0830), although 170 Sandwich Tern were seen additional sightings were limited to 18 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet and single Guillemot and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Still thin on the ground with just 3 Wheatear and 3 Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Swift were noted flying in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Ringed Plover and 5 Whimbrel.
Mammals
Two Weasel were seen.

First Common Tern of the year

11th May 2009 - bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) revealed 80 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Scoter, 7 Guillemot, 5 Common Tern - the first of the year, 4 Gannet and single Arctic Skua (dark phase), Red-throated Diver and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The bright and clear conditions were not conducive to producing grounded birds and consequently just 7 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Redpoll were likely candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Steady northbound hirundine movement throughout the morning saw 140 Swallow and 100 House Martin recorded, along with 4 Jackdaw.

Marsh Harrier leads the way

10th May 2009 - early rain then sunny W1
Offshore
The winds of the last few days finally abated overnight but morning observations (0730-0930) saw birds still on the move with 160 Sandwich Tern, 54 Common Scoter, 50 Gannet, 20 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Tern, 8 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot and single pale phase Arctic Skua and Kitiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A second wave of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat appeared overnight and other newly arrived birds included 23 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler and single Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
A female Marsh Harrier was the first of the year and the light winds produced more activity than of late with 140 Swallow, 8 Lesser Redpoll and a Sand Martin recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering wildfowl included single Wigeon and Scaup and a late Purple Sandpiper was amongst a flock of 1000 Knot.

Seabirds continue to dominate

9th May 2009 - sunshine and showers SSW5/4
Offshore
A quieter day than of late with observations (0700-0900 & 1415-1515) producing totals of 150 Gannet, 110 Sandwich Tern, 24 Guillemot, 14 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 8 Manx Shearwater, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A little more activity than of late saw 15 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were led by 47 Whimbrel.

Still Seawatching

8th May 2009 - bright and sunny SW5/6/7
Offshore
Despite the increasingly sunny conditions the fresh southwest winds prompted two periods of observations (0530-0730 & 1000-1400) which produced totals of 685 Gannet, 205 Sandwich Tern, 110 Manx Shearwater, 57 Kittiwake, 27 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 7 Razorbill, 5 Arctic Skua (4 dark, 1 pale) and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Lesser Redpoll and Wheatear.

Seawatching still to the fore

7th May 2009 - bright and sunny WSW5
Offshore
Highlights involved the first Black Guillemot of the year, 10 Arctic Skua (all dark phase) and a single Great Skua. Also seen (0530-0730) were 420 Gannet, 165 Kittiwake, 140 Sandwich Tern, 50 Manx Shearwater, 25 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Fulmar and single Shag, Little Tern and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining quiet with just 3 White Wagtail and a Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 19 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Little Egret continue to linger.

Weather conditions continue to limit observations

6th May 2009 - overcast/rain soon SW4/5
Offshore
Observations prior to the rain (0630-0730) produced 64 Gannet, 40 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 8 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and single Fulmar and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by just a solitary Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel were the only notable sightings.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egrets fed in the tidal pools along the eastern shore of the island.

Only fit to seawatch!

5th May 2009 - overcast/rain WSW3/4/5
Offshore
A couple of brief respites in the atrocious conditions (0630-0730 & 1715-1815) produced totals of 310 Gannet, 175 Sandwich Tern, 80 Common Scoter, 7 Fulmar, 6 Guillemot, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and single pale phase Arctic Skua, Shag and Peregrine.
Miscellaneous
The single Little Egret remained along the eastern shore.

Great Skua added to year list

4th May 2009 - overcast/rain at times SW4/5
Offshore
Observations (0800-1100) were led by single Great Skua and Little Tern along with totals of 130 Sandwich Tern, 114 Common Scoter, 54 Gannet, 26 Kittiwake, 21 Guillemot, 17 Manx Shearwater, 12 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 3 Razorbill and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Common Sandpiper provided the only interest.
Miscellaneous
Single Raven and Little Egret continue to be seen.

First House Martin finally arrives

3rd May 2009 - sunny spells WNW4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 105 Sandwich Tern, 80 Gannet, 33 Common Scoter and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Manx Shearwater, Guillemot, Razorbill, Arctic Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 9 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and single Chiffchaff and Blackcap were candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to trickle through and the first House Martin of the year was recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 18 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Whimbrel were the only records of note.
Miscellaneous
Just one Little Egret appears to remain and 2 Raven were logged.

Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat influx

2nd May 2009 - bright and sunny W3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea revealed 65 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 10 Common Scoter, 3 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A noticeable influx of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat occurred overnight with many birds now holding territory on breeding sites across the island. Grounded migrants included 24 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle through and 2 Siskin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 30 Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Merlin continues to linger and a Raven toured the island.

Merlin still in residence

1st May 2009 - bright and sunny/rain soon S4
Offshore
Early morning core counts (0800-0900) produced 40 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 18 Common Scoter, 14 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Another light sprinkling of grounded birds with 15 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and White Wagtail newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 11 Whimbrel were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin continues to hunt over the island.