Gull colony remains in decline!

31st May 2010 – bright and sunny
Offshore
Early morning observations again produced just small numbers of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Late movers involved a single Wheatear.
Breeding Birds
The annual gull census revealed that the decline in the size of the gull colony continues unabated with 2,246 pairs of Herring Gull and 9,829 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull located.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Red Admiral was logged and The Flame and Epiblema cynobatella were new for the year from the moth trap.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.

Late movers!

30th May 2010 – sunny spells NW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations produced just small numbers of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Late movers involved 2 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Moths
Poplar Hawkmoth and Shoulder-striped Wainscot were new for the year.
Dragonflies
Large Red Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Four-spotted Chaser are now all on the wing.

No birds just moths!

29th May 2010 – overcast/rain SSE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations produced just small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill, Sandwich Tern and Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 Mute Swan was the only other record of note logged.
Moths
A total of 202 moths of 35 species were attracted to the moth traps overnight with Small Clouded Brindle and Eyed Hawkmoth new for the year.
Images
Pale Tussock and Eyed Hawk-moth.




Iceland Gull - Late News

28th May 2010 - bright and sunny WNW3/4
Offshore
Very quiet over the sea with just a handful of Gannet logged.
Grounded Migrants
The land was no better with just a solitary Wheatear.
Miscellaneous
The best of the rest were a daytime flying Barn Owl and a Little Owl basking in the sunshine.
Late News
An Iceland Gull was seen offshore on 23rd April 2010.
Moths
A Pale Tussock was just the third island record.
Images
Iceland Gull


First Common Tern arrives!

27th May 2010 – sunshine and showers W3/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings were highlighted by 4 Common Tern amongst small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear and Whitethroat were the only evidence of migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstone, 6 Grey Plover and a Whimbrel.
Moths
No evidence of any migrants yet but Large Yellow Underwing and Eucosma cana were new for the year.

Little Reward!

26th May 2010 – sunny spells V1
Offshore
The regular, but distant, flock of Common Scoter has dwindled to just 340 birds while other sightings were limited to just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Five Wheatear were the only evidence of migration.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 4 Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Wigeon and Whimbrel were the most notable sightings.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks of Starling are already beginning to form across the island.
Moths
A Shark was new for the year.

Hard Work!

25th May 2010 – overcast/early drizzle ESE3/4
Offshore
Slow again over the sea with just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Wheatear was the only evidence of migration.
Moths
After waiting for 10 years between records a flurry of Least Black Arches has involved at least three different individuals! Further work on micros revealed the first island records of the overlooked Endrosis sulphurella for 10 years and Cochylidia implicitana for at least 20 years.

Osprey leads sightings

24th May 2010 – hazy sun NW3/4
Offshore
There was an increase in activity on recent days with early morning sightings (0745-0845) producing 35 Sandwich Tern, 32 Guillemot, 30 Common Scoter, 16 Gannet, 6 Razorbill and 5 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle of late moving Chiffchaff continues with another bird logged, otherwise sightings were limited to 4 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey moved through and a trickle of hirundines included 2 House Martin and a Sand Martin.
Moths
Further new additions for the year included Heart and Dart, Buff-tip, Puss Moth, Shears and the pyralid Phlyctaenia coronata.

Spring continues to draw to a close

23rd May 2010 – hazy sun/warm/V1
Offshore
Sightings were limited to small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear and a Garden Warbler were the only evidence of new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two late Golden Plover flew through.
Moths
Common Swift, Purple Bar, Marbled Minor, Treble Lines and Thistle Ermine were all new for the year, while the micro Metzneria lappella would appear to be the first island record.
Image
Metzneria lappella
.

Black-tailed Godwit influx

22nd May 2010 – hazy sun/warm/calm
Offshore
Sightings were limited to small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher were the only evidence for new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 40 Black-tailed Godwit and a late Golden Plover.
Moths
A Silver Ground Carpet was new for the year and the island’s second Pale Pinion was recorded, however, further work on the micro moth complex revealed two further additions to the island list Aspilapteryx tringipennella and Schreckensteinia festaliella.
Butterflies
Wall Brown and Common Blue are now on the wing.
Images
Aspilapteryx tringipennella
and Schreckensteinia festaliella.


Light spring passage continues!

21st May 2010 – mist/fog/calm, hazy sun later
Grounded Migrants
Single Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear were the only candidates for new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
The summering Wigeon remain and a single Whimbrel was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
Twenty Plume Moth and the micro Cocksfoot Moth were both new island records – the latter at least probably an overlooked species.
Images
The tiny micro Cocksfoot Moth



A hint of further migration

20th May 2010 – early drizzle/misty/calm
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remain thin on the ground with just 5 Wheatear and 3 Spotted Flycatcher candidates for new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Wigeon remain in residence and a flock of 200 Ringed Plover were seen.
Breeding Birds
Territorial Reed Warbler continue to sing at two localities.
Moths
There was a noticeable increase in the number of moths recorded as overnight temperatures finally begin to rise. New additions for the year included Clouded Bordered Brindle, Chinese Character and Least Black Arches – the latter just the third island record and the first for 10 years
Images
Least Black Arches and Chinese Character.


Spring passage at an end?

19th May 2010 – early drizzle/calm
Offshore
A flock of 22 Arctic Tern and a Kittiwake fed over the evening tide.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the promising conditions early morning just 3 Wheatear were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Wigeon remain in residence.
Breeding Birds
Good numbers of Sedge Warbler appear to be present on the island and Reed Warblers are now singing at two localities.
Moths
New additions for the year included Tawny Shears, Small Square-spot and Turnip.

Not at lot again!

18th May 2010 – bright and sunny/calm
Grounded Migants
Limited to 8 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Wigeon continue to linger and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Moths
White Ermine was a new addition for the year.

Winter wildfowl!

17th May 2010 – sunny spells NW1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0715) were led by a single Little Tern amongst small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was the only candidate for a new arrival.
Wildfowl and Waders
The summering female Velvet Scoter remains and was joined by a first-summer drake Long-tailed Duck.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Moths
Marbled Coronet and Elachista atricomella were both new for the year.

Summering Velvet Scoter

16th May 2010 - sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations produced just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Guillemot, Gannet, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Presumed leftovers from yesterday involved 5 Wheatear and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift was amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The summering Velvet Scoter - presumed to be the returning bird from 2009 - was again located roosting amongst the Eiders at high tide.
Breeding Birds
The first few Eiderlings are now beginning to appear.
Butterflies
Common Blue are now on the wing.
Images
Record shot of the female Velvet Scoter.


Hen Harrier moves through and Spotted Flycatchers finally arrive

15th May 2010 – sunny spells NW1/2/3
Offshore
The flock of 1200 Common Scoter continue to linger, however, additional sightings were limited to small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Guillemot and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of newly arrived migrants involved 12 Wheatear, 4 Spotted Flycatcher and single Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A ringtail Hen Harrier moved through and hirundines were also on the move with 100 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin and a House Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 170 Sanderling and 11 Whimbrel.
Moths
A Common Heath was the first to be recorded on the island for over 20 years.

Not a lot!

14th May 2010 – rain/drizzle SSE3
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0800-0900) were limited to 50 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver, later the sea also provided a rather distant flock of 1000 Common Scoter sitting out the high tide.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 9 Wheatear were seen.

Arctic Skua and Little Tern lead seawatch

13th May 2010 – bright and sunny SW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0800-0900) were led by single Little Tern and pale phase Arctic Skua and a supporting cast of 30 Guillemot, 28 Sandwich Tern, 12 Manx Shearwater and 12 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in Wheatear saw 16 birds present along with single Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Whimbrel and single Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Owl was again the best of the rest.

Marsh Harrier flies through

12th May 2010 – bright and sunny E2/3
Grounded Migrants
It was a case of déjà vu with a newly arrived Garden Warbler and 4 Wheatear the pick of a meagre bunch.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to move through, however, a female/immature Marsh Harrier which flew south over the island at 1050hrs was the highlight of the day.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Owl was the best of the rest
Mammals
At least 4 Hare were recorded.

Scant Fare

11th May 2010 – bright and sunny WNW1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning sightings were limited to small numbers of Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Garden Warbler was the pick of a meagre bunch which also included 4 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin flew through amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Wigeon remain in residence but the pair of Gadwall appear to have departed – once again flattering to deceive with regards to a breeding attempt. Waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Mammals
Both Hare and Weasel were logged.

Cuckoo arrives

10th May 2010 – early rain then showers E3/2/1
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) were limited to 20 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter, 12 Sandwich Tern, 4 Teal, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Tufted Duck and single Fulmar and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was newly arrived; otherwise sightings were limited to 11 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 7 Swift flew through.
Moths
New additions for the year included Common Wave and Parsnip Moth – the latter perhaps an overlooked first for 10 years.

Ortolan rewards persistence!

9th May 2010 – sunny spells ENE1/2
Rarities
At last the day dawned with some cloud cover combined with a light easterly wind. The result a vocal Ortolan Bunting that appeared briefly at 1100hrs before heading of to the northeast.
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase in sightings over recent days with a Whinchat, amongst 11 Wheatear, and 8 Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was again the only record of note.

Some offshore movement at last

8th May 2010 – bright and sunny NE4/5
Offshore
The first movement over the sea for several days was evident with observations over the tide (0745-0845) producing 40 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shoveler and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
The poor spring passage for Wheatear continues with again just 4 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was the only record of note.
Breeding Birds
Stonechats are now feeding first broods.

Poor spring for Wheatear continues

7th May 2010 – bright and sunny NE4/5
Offshore
Small numbers of Sandwich Tern were the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
It has been a poor spring for Wheatear with numbers well below normal strength and today was no exception with just 4 birds in a scattering of grounded birds that also included 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethoat and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Two Sand Martin and a House Martin were amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Moths
A Muslin Moth was a recent attraction to the moth traps – the first record for 10 years.
Images
Muslin Moth (male).



Little of note!

6th May 2010 – early rain then showers NE3/4
Offshore
Observations on the evening tide produced 30 Sandwich Tern, 14 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 5 Wheatear otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 7 Whimbrel, 3 Golden Plover and a Greenshank.
Moths
New additions for the year included Pebble Prominent, Spectacle and Rustic Shoulder Knot.

Little Change!

5th May 2010 – overcast/mist/drizzle WNW1/2
Grounded Migrants
Despite the seemingly promising conditions early morning there was little evidence of newly grounded birds with just 8 Willow Warbler and 6 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 3 Sand Martin and a Lesser Redpoll
Wildfowl and Waders
Both Gadwall and Wigeon continue to linger and waders included 280 Sanderling and a single Whimbrel.
Moths
Dog’s Tooth was new for the year.

Migration blocked!

4th May 2010 – bright and sunny N1/2/3/4
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Both Gadwall and Wigeon continue to linger and waders included single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was a welcome sight.
Moths
Both Chamomile Shark and Shuttle-shaped Dart were new for the year.

Velvet Scoter remain

3rd May 2010 – bright and sunny N1/2/3
Offshore
Two drake Velvet Scoter remain but otherwise it was generally quiet over the sea with just small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
There was little evidence of any newly grounded birds with 15 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap considered lingering birds from previous days.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin, 450 Sanderling, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel and a late Snipe.
Butterflies and Moths
Orange Tip are now on the wing and newly emerged species in the moth traps were Brown Silver-line and Red Chestnut.

Velvet Scoters and first Reed Warbler

2nd May 2010 – sunny spells NE4
Offshore
Observations over the sea were led by 3 first-summer drake Velvet Scoter and a flock of 1700 Common Scoter, also seen were 62 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A further increase in the number of territorial Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler was noted. Also seen were 24 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler and the first Reed Warbler of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to move through in small numbers and 5 Swift and 2 House Martin were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall and Wigeon remain and waders included 16 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Owl and Red-legged Partridge were the best of the rest.

First Garden Warbler arrives

1st May 2010 –sunny spells W1/2
Offshore
Just small numbers of Sandwich Tern were noted.
Grounded Migrants
The number of territorial Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethoat and Sedge Warbler across the island continues to increase and newly arrived grounded migrants included 17 Wheatear, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and single White Wagtail and Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A single Sand Martin was amongst a small passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Wigeon and Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 1000 Dunlin, 46 Whimbrel, 36 Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Mammals
At least one Roe Deer remains.
Ringing
The Willow Warbler bearing the Dutch ring was retrapped and a Sedge Warbler was found to be wearing a ring from elsewhere in Britain.
Images
White Wagtail - although ageing in spring is considered difficult a combination of dark primary coverts edged white, the broad white fringe to the central alula and dark, not brownish, tinge to primaries and secondaries are all suggestive of an adult bird rather than a first-summer.