30th June 2009 - early showers E1
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 130 Manx Shearwater, 47 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift again flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Post-breeding flocks of Curlew and Lapwing are beginning to build and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Raven were logged.
Another non-avian highlight
29th June 2009 - misty start then sunny E1/2
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) were limited to 65 Manx Shearwater, 20 Gannet and a solitary Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Black-tailed Godwit of the autumn were logged.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks of Greenfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch and Skylark are now beginning to build.
Dragonflies
The island's third Emperor Dragonfly was reported.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) were limited to 65 Manx Shearwater, 20 Gannet and a solitary Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Black-tailed Godwit of the autumn were logged.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks of Greenfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch and Skylark are now beginning to build.
Dragonflies
The island's third Emperor Dragonfly was reported.
Non Avian Highlight
28th June 2008 - bright and sunny after early cloud V1/2
Offshore
Again just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern were logged early morning before the heat haze kicked in.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Redpoll was amongst a post-breeding flock of Greenfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were again on the move.
Dragonflies
The highlight of the day was provided the island's fourth Broad-bodied Chaser.
Offshore
Again just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern were logged early morning before the heat haze kicked in.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Redpoll was amongst a post-breeding flock of Greenfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were again on the move.
Dragonflies
The highlight of the day was provided the island's fourth Broad-bodied Chaser.
First Greenshank and Little Egret of the autumn
27th June 2009 - sunny spells E3/2/1
Offshore
The ebbing tide produced 10 Arctic Tern, 5 Little Tern and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first returning Greenshank of the autumn was logged.
Breeding Birds
The first Swallow and Sedge Warbler broods are now emerging.
Miscellaneous
The first returning Little Egret was recorded.
Mammals
At least 3 Brown Hare were logged.
Butterflies
A small influx of Red Admiral and Painted Ladies was noted.
Offshore
The ebbing tide produced 10 Arctic Tern, 5 Little Tern and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first returning Greenshank of the autumn was logged.
Breeding Birds
The first Swallow and Sedge Warbler broods are now emerging.
Miscellaneous
The first returning Little Egret was recorded.
Mammals
At least 3 Brown Hare were logged.
Butterflies
A small influx of Red Admiral and Painted Ladies was noted.
More of the same!
26th June 2009 - bright and sunny E4
Offshore
Again just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Swift flew through.
Offshore
Again just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Swift flew through.
More bits and bobs
25th June 2009 - bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
Continuing yesterday's theme, morning observations (0800-0900) provided just 20 Manx Shearwater and small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Redpoll was a surprise for late June.
Diurnal Migration
A further 10 Swift flew through.
Offshore
Continuing yesterday's theme, morning observations (0800-0900) provided just 20 Manx Shearwater and small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Lesser Redpoll was a surprise for late June.
Diurnal Migration
A further 10 Swift flew through.
Odds and Ends
24th June 2009 - bright and sunny E3
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 50 Manx Shearwater and small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was a further hint of the onset of southbound migration.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 23 Swift and 12 Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build slowly and a Whimbrel was logged.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 50 Manx Shearwater and small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was a further hint of the onset of southbound migration.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 23 Swift and 12 Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build slowly and a Whimbrel was logged.
Mute Swan reveals origins
23rd June 2009 - misty start then sunny W1
Wildfowl and Waders
Mute Swans are rather sedentary in their habits and not known for long distance movements. However, a female nesting on the island was colour ringed as a first-year bird at Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland on 24th January 2007 (125km N).
Wildfowl and Waders
Mute Swans are rather sedentary in their habits and not known for long distance movements. However, a female nesting on the island was colour ringed as a first-year bird at Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland on 24th January 2007 (125km N).
Velvet Scoter remains
22nd June 2009 - early mist/rain then sunny spells W1/2
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was a likely candidate for early evidence of southbound migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Velvet Scoter remains in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine surveyed the early returning waders.
Butterflies
The first Meadow Brown are now on the wing.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was a likely candidate for early evidence of southbound migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Velvet Scoter remains in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine surveyed the early returning waders.
Butterflies
The first Meadow Brown are now on the wing.
First Storm Petrel of the season
21st June 2009 - overcast/showers NW3/2
Offshore
The first Storm Petrel of the year was the highlight of early morning observations (0730-0830) which were otherwise limited to just a few Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Common Scoter and Guillemot. The ebbing tide produced a feeding flock of 60 Arctic Tern, 14 Little Tern and 10 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The summering female Velvet Scoter remains in residence.
Image
Velvet Scoter
Still looking out to sea!
20th June 2009 - overcast/rain at times W3/4
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900 & 1230-1330) provided totals of 125 Sandwich Tern, 21 Arctic Tern and 6 Little Tern along with 50 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 14 Guillemot, 13 Common Scoter, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A female Blackcap was presumably a failed breeder returning south.
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900 & 1230-1330) provided totals of 125 Sandwich Tern, 21 Arctic Tern and 6 Little Tern along with 50 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 14 Guillemot, 13 Common Scoter, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A female Blackcap was presumably a failed breeder returning south.
Little Change
19th June 2009 - sunny spells SW4/5
Offshore
Observations (0645-0715 & 1245-1345) provided totals of 70 Gannet, 28 Sandwich Tern, 24 Manx Shearwater, 24 Common Scoter and 4 Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
A family party of 4 Raven jousted with the local Carrion Crow population.
Offshore
Observations (0645-0715 & 1245-1345) provided totals of 70 Gannet, 28 Sandwich Tern, 24 Manx Shearwater, 24 Common Scoter and 4 Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
A family party of 4 Raven jousted with the local Carrion Crow population.
Seabirds again
18th June 2009 - overcast SW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) provided 190 Manx Shearwater, 65 Gannet, 16 Sandwich Tern, 15 Guillemot, 6 Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake and single Razorbill and pale phase Arctic Skua. Further sightings on the evening tide (1615-1715) added 70 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot, and 2 Fulmar.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) provided 190 Manx Shearwater, 65 Gannet, 16 Sandwich Tern, 15 Guillemot, 6 Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake and single Razorbill and pale phase Arctic Skua. Further sightings on the evening tide (1615-1715) added 70 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot, and 2 Fulmar.
Black Guillemot leads sightings
17th June 2009 - overcast/rain soon SSE3
Offshore
Early morning observations as the rain set in (0620-0720) produced 30 Manx Shearwater and lesser numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot and Razorbill. The rain finally relented early evening and observations on the rising tide (1620-1720) added 38 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 10 Manx Shearwater, 2 Guillemot and single Fulmar and Black Guillemot.
Offshore
Early morning observations as the rain set in (0620-0720) produced 30 Manx Shearwater and lesser numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot and Razorbill. The rain finally relented early evening and observations on the rising tide (1620-1720) added 38 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 10 Manx Shearwater, 2 Guillemot and single Fulmar and Black Guillemot.
Common Scoters head south
16th June 2009 - bright and sunny E1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0715) saw Common Scoters on the move with 340 birds logged heading south. Also seen were 40 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet and 8 Guillemot. Evening observations over the tide added 30 Arctic Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 4 Little Tern and 2 Common Tern.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0715) saw Common Scoters on the move with 340 birds logged heading south. Also seen were 40 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet and 8 Guillemot. Evening observations over the tide added 30 Arctic Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 4 Little Tern and 2 Common Tern.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.
Wildfowl and waders begin to return
15th June 2009 - bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea early morning (0645-0715) with just small numbers of Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Guillemot and Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four drake Teal were logged along with the first returning Redshank and Snipe.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea early morning (0645-0715) with just small numbers of Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Guillemot and Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four drake Teal were logged along with the first returning Redshank and Snipe.
Doldrums continue
14th June 2009 - overcast then sunny W1
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided a solitary Little Tern and small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Common Scoter and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
An unseasonable Siskin flew through.
Moths
Recent sightings included the island's third Monopis laevigellaand Poplar Grey.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided a solitary Little Tern and small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Common Scoter and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
An unseasonable Siskin flew through.
Moths
Recent sightings included the island's third Monopis laevigellaand Poplar Grey.
Summer Doldrums
13th June 2009 - overcast then sunny S1
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) involved small numbers of Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A late House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Whimbrel continues to be recorded.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) involved small numbers of Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A late House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Whimbrel continues to be recorded.
Sand Martins give cause for concern
12th June 2009 - bright and sunny W1
Offshore
Early morning movement (0800-0900) provided 45 Common Scoter, 35 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Breeding Birds
Always a species with a tentative foothold on the island as a breeding bird the Sand Martin appears to be absent this year. Three small colonies active in 2008 were checked but no birds were present.
Butterflies
The first Large Skipper are now on the wing.
Dragonflies
Common Blue Damselflies are now in evidence.
Offshore
Early morning movement (0800-0900) provided 45 Common Scoter, 35 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Breeding Birds
Always a species with a tentative foothold on the island as a breeding bird the Sand Martin appears to be absent this year. Three small colonies active in 2008 were checked but no birds were present.
Butterflies
The first Large Skipper are now on the wing.
Dragonflies
Common Blue Damselflies are now in evidence.
Seabirds again provide some interest
11th June 2009 - sunny spells W3
Offshore
At last an onshore breeze and morning observations (0800-0900) provided a few seabirds. Sightings included 26 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 18 Manx Shearwater and a pale phase Arctic Skua along with small numbers of Fulmar, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was again logged.
Offshore
At last an onshore breeze and morning observations (0800-0900) provided a few seabirds. Sightings included 26 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 18 Manx Shearwater and a pale phase Arctic Skua along with small numbers of Fulmar, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was again logged.
High's and Low's
10th June 2009 - sunny spells NE1
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Whimbrel continues to linger.
Breeding Birds
As ever there is good and bad news regarding the island's breeding birds. Firstly the bad news, a coordinated count found the lowest numbers of Eiderling for many years, suggesting a further decline in the breeding population. On a more positive note Stonechat continue to prosper with good numbers of fledged juveniles appearing during post-breeding dispersal.
Mammals
A Brown Hare was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Whimbrel continues to linger.
Breeding Birds
As ever there is good and bad news regarding the island's breeding birds. Firstly the bad news, a coordinated count found the lowest numbers of Eiderling for many years, suggesting a further decline in the breeding population. On a more positive note Stonechat continue to prosper with good numbers of fledged juveniles appearing during post-breeding dispersal.
Mammals
A Brown Hare was logged.
Gull colony shows stability after recent declines
9th June 2009 - sunny spells NE3
Offshore
A quick check (0900-0930) produced 16 Gannet, 9 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a non-breeding plumage flock of 50 Knot and 4 Dunlin.
Breeding Birds
Good numbers of gull chicks have now hatched and census work suggests that after a steady decline the gull colony has hopefully stabilised with estimates of 10,670 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull and 3,040 pairs of Herring Gull.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine flew through.
Offshore
A quick check (0900-0930) produced 16 Gannet, 9 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a non-breeding plumage flock of 50 Knot and 4 Dunlin.
Breeding Birds
Good numbers of gull chicks have now hatched and census work suggests that after a steady decline the gull colony has hopefully stabilised with estimates of 10,670 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull and 3,040 pairs of Herring Gull.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine flew through.
Seabirds provide interest
8th June 2009 - bright and sunny E4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided 25 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot, 8 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Later observations on the rising tide added 40 Arctic Tern, 8 Little Tern and a Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of waders are still present around the island with 7 Knot and 2 Turnstone typifying the numbers involved.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided 25 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot, 8 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Later observations on the rising tide added 40 Arctic Tern, 8 Little Tern and a Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of waders are still present around the island with 7 Knot and 2 Turnstone typifying the numbers involved.
Spoonbills fly through
7th June 2009 - overcast NE3/4
Rarities
A group of 3 Spoonbill flew eastwards along the island just after midday.
Offshore
A little more variety than of late with morning observations (0815-0915) producing 80 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 12 Common Scoter, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Little Tern, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
Three Collared Dove flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count produced the first returning Teal and waders included 30 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstone, 3 Knot and single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit.
Rarities
A group of 3 Spoonbill flew eastwards along the island just after midday.
Offshore
A little more variety than of late with morning observations (0815-0915) producing 80 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 12 Common Scoter, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Little Tern, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
Three Collared Dove flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count produced the first returning Teal and waders included 30 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstone, 3 Knot and single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit.
Great Skua
6th June 2009 - rain/clearing later E4
Offshore
The weather conditions conspired to limit observations, however, a Great Skua attended a feeding flock of 120 Gannet off the west shore on the falling tide as the rain cleared.
Offshore
The weather conditions conspired to limit observations, however, a Great Skua attended a feeding flock of 120 Gannet off the west shore on the falling tide as the rain cleared.
Swifts on the move
5th June 2009 - sunny spells/showers E1/2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0615-0715) produced a few more birds than of late with 35 Manx Shearwater, 25 Kittiwake, 20 Guillemot, 12 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar logged.
Diurnal Migration
Early afternoon saw 250 Swift and a House Martin moving east.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Shoveler remains.
Offshore
Morning observations (0615-0715) produced a few more birds than of late with 35 Manx Shearwater, 25 Kittiwake, 20 Guillemot, 12 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar logged.
Diurnal Migration
Early afternoon saw 250 Swift and a House Martin moving east.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Shoveler remains.
Velvet Scoter remains
4th June 2009 - sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations were again slow with just a few Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Velvet Scoter continues to consort with a small group of Eider.
Butterflies
The Painted Lady influx appears to have moved on with just small numbers now present.
Offshore
Early morning observations were again slow with just a few Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Velvet Scoter continues to consort with a small group of Eider.
Butterflies
The Painted Lady influx appears to have moved on with just small numbers now present.
Spotted Flycatcher still moving through
3rd June 2009 - overcast then sunny V1/2
Offshore
Morning observations produced just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Guillemot, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was the sole evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Shoveler remains.
Moths
Recent sightings include Poplar Hawkmoth, Small Elephant Hawkmoth, Eyed Hawkmoth and Puss Moth.
Images
Eyed Hawkmoth and Puss Moth.
Hooded Crow saves the day!
2nd June 2009 - bright and sunny E1
Offshore
Early morning observations were limited to a handful of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A Hooded Crow flew in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single drake Wigeon and Shoveler continue to linger.
Offshore
Early morning observations were limited to a handful of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A Hooded Crow flew in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single drake Wigeon and Shoveler continue to linger.
Gadwall Passage
1st June 2009 - bright and sunny E2/1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) were highlighted by a flock of 9 Gadwall. Also seen were small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A late Willow Warbler was the only candidate for new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Sanderling and single Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) were highlighted by a flock of 9 Gadwall. Also seen were small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A late Willow Warbler was the only candidate for new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Sanderling and single Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel.
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