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.