First Red-throated Diver of the autumn

28th July 2012 – sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
The first Red-throated Diver of the autumn headed south and other sightings (0900-1000) included 32 Sandwich Tern, 23 Common Scoter, 15 Manx Shearwater, 13 Gannet and single Arctic Tern and Guillemot. A Great Skua was seen yesterday.
Grounded Migrants
A further hint of autumn was provided by single Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Cuckoo.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Moths
A four-dotted Footman and Golden Plusia were just the second island records. Migrants involved Silver Y and Dark Sword Grass while Flounced Rustic, Dunbar, Bordered Sallow and Crescent were new for the year.