Settled conditions produce good ringing total

31st July 2013 – overcast/rain later SW1
Offshore
Another quiet morning over the sea with just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two juvenile Stonechat were logged.
Breeding Birds
While Sedge Warbler productivity appears good Whitethroats do not appear to have fared as well .
Ringing
Post breeding dispersal combined with the beginning of autumn passage produced an above average monthly total of 178 birds of 18 species with 4 juvenile Stonechat especially pleasing following the crash in the island breeding population after several harsh winters. Individual species totals were as follows: Greenfinch (42), Sedge Warbler (29), House Sparrow (25), Goldfinch (23), Starling (22), Willow Warbler (11), Blackbird (6), Reed Bunting (4), Stonechat (4), Woodpigeon (3), Chaffinch (2), Magpie (1), Reed Warbler (1), Grasshopper Warbler (1), Dunnock (1), Pied Wagtail (1), Whitethroat(1) and Blackcap (1).
Moths
The moth trap produced 462 moths of 63 species with no new additions, however, recently caught micros not previously mentioned include Epiblema roborana, Acleris holmiana, Agonopterix nervosa, Catoptria margaritella and Crambus lathoniellus.

First Merlin reappears

30th July 2013 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Rather quiet over the sea early morning with 2 Little Tern the highlight amongst small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was amongst a small group of Pied Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 16 Turnstone and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The first Merlin of the autumn has returned to the island.
Moths
The moth trap produced just 398 moths of 72 species with Epermenia chaerophyllella – the first island record and Ebulea crocealis – the second island record, providing the highlights while Double Lobed and Garden Rose Tortix both new for the year.
Images
Double lobed, Epermenia chaerophyllella and Ebulea crocealis.


Green Sandpiper

29th July 2013 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0935) produced 108 Manx Shearwater, 77 Common Scoter, 38 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake and single Little Tern and Great Skua.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Swift were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Green Sandpiper was newly arrived.
Moths
A total of 424 moths of 79 species were identified with immigrants represented by 6 Silver Y, 2 Diamond-back Moth and Dark Sword-grass while Triple Spotted Clay was new for the year.

Storm Petrel

28th July 2013 – overcast/showers W2/3
Offshore
A Storm Petrel led morning observations (0800-1025) which also produced 177 Sandwich Tern, 65 Gannet, 35 Common Scoter, 29 Manx Shearwater, 2 Common Tern and 2 Kittiwake .
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was amongst 10 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Little Ringed Plover remained.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was best of the rest.
Moths
The moth trap produced 542 moths of 79 species with Lesser Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Olive all new for the year.

First Little Egret returns

27th July 2013 – sunny spells SE2
Offshore
A check over the sea provided 55 Common Scoter, 8 Sandwich Tern and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warbler continue to trickle through and a Yellow Wagtail was recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Again movement was evident early morning with 150 Swallow, 50 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and a Swift logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 50 Sanderling and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.
Miscellaneous
The first Little Egret of the autumn was logged.
Moths
The moth trap produced 519 moths of 83 species with Straw Underwing, Crescent and Yellow-tail new for the year.

First Blackcap of the autumn

26th July 2013 – sunny spells SE2
Offshore
A quick check over the sea provided just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap was amongst the continued trickle of Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 460 Dunlin.
Moths
The moth trap produced 431 moths of 76 species with The Herald new for the year.

Arctic Skuas

25th July 2013 – sunny spells SE2
Offshore
A mid-morning check over the sea revealed 2 dark phase Arctic Skua amongst 70 Sandwich Tern, 42 Common Scoter and 21 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
The steady slow trickle of Willow Warbler continues unabated.
Diurnal Migration
At least 60 Swallow congregated early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Whimbrel and a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit – hopefully details will follow.
Moths
The moth trap again proved very productive holding 711 moths of 93 species with Six-stripe Rustic, Ruby Tiger, Small Rufous, Old Lady, Phoenix, Small Phoenix, July Highflyer and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing all new for the year.
Images
Old Lady and Phoenix.


Another day and yet another new moth!

24th July 2013 – overcast E1
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The slow trickle of Willow Warbler continues and a juvenile Cuckoo was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again on the move with 100 Swallow, 3 House Martin and 2 Swift logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Early indications are that Sedge Warbler have had a good breeding season, presumably a result of the recent good weather and in direct contrast to the soggy summer of 2012 when productivity was extremely low.
Moths
The moth trap held 665 moths of 80 species with Dotted Clay and Dark Spinach both new for the year. However, the distinctive micro Ypsolopha sequella proved to be the recent highlight – a first for the island.
Images
Ypsolopha sequella.

More of the same

22nd July 2013 – hot and sunny E2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0900) produced 265 Manx Shearwater, 70 Gannet, 34 Common Scoter, 23 Sandwich Tern and 4 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was logged and Willow Warbler continue to trickle through.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were again on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Bar-tailed Godwit and 50 Sanderling.
Moths
A total of 380 moths of 70 species were identified with Cloaked Minor new for the year.

Waders continue to build

21st July 2013 – overcast E3/4
Offshore
Early morning movement produced 265 Common Scoter, 17 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warbler continue to trickle through.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail moved through and 11 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to build with 1030 Curlew, 140 Bar-tailed Godwit, 205 Redshank, 105 Dunlin, 40 Knot, 27 Whimbrel, 15 Sanderling and 8 Turnstone recorded.

Another day another new moth!

20th July 2013 – overcast E3/4
Offshore
There was evidence of movement early morning with 84 Manx Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 18 Kittiwke, 10 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Common Tern logged.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again on the move with 60 Swallow and 10 Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 515 Redshank, 100 Dunlin, 10 Greenshank, 4 Turnstone and a Common Sandpiper.
Moths
A more manageable overnight moth catch with 385 moths of 79 species logged. Pick of the bunch was a Barred Red – the first island record.
Images
Barred Red.

Time consuming moth identification

19th July 2013 – hot and sunny NW1
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines remain prominent with 150 Swallow, 35 Sand Martin and 3 House Martin congregated on overhead wires early morning. Three Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Moths
Most of the morning was spent sorting through another huge overnight attraction to the moth trap with over 700 moths of 103species recorded. A Manchester Treble-bar was new for the island and newly emerged residents included: Barred Yellow, Shore Wainscot, Clouded Border, Light Emerald, Dingy Footman, Bird Cherry Ermine, Orchard Ermine and Nettle-tap.
Images
Manchester Treble-bar.

Small numbers of migrants continue to move through

18th July 2013 – hot and sunny NW1/2
Offshore
A check over a calm sea early morning produced just small numbers of Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
The southbound trickle of Willow Warbler continues.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines appeared to be on the move with 100 Swallow, 10 House Martin and 5 Sand Martin logged early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Moths
Another large attraction to the moth trap overnight with 622 moths of 91species recorded. Four Diamond-back Moth were the only immigrants but newly emerged residents included: Rosy Minor, Flounced Rustic and Grey Dagger.

Cuckoos head south

15th July 2013 – overcast/murky/calm
Offshore
A few Gannet were offshore in limited visibility.
Grounded Migrants
Two Cuckoo were logged and Willow Warbler continue to trickle through.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail moved through.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
Another large catch overnight produced 513 moths of 77 species with over 100 White Satin attracted. Swallow-tailed Moth and Peach Blossom were both new for the year.

Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies

14th July 2013 – bright and sunny NW2
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 60 Gannet, 10 Common Scoter and a few Sandwich Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Single Grasshopper Warbler and Reed Warbler were amongst a few Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Two more Swift moved through.
Dragonflies
Emperor Dragonfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser and Common Blue Damselfly were all logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Three Red Admiral were seen and newly emerged moths included The Magpie and Crescent Striped.

Migrants continue to trickle through

13th July 2013 – bright and sunny NW1/2/3/4
Offshore
A check over a calm sea early morning produced just small numbers of Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
The southbound trickle of Willow Warbler continues.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Swift provided the only evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Grey Plover, 4 Turnstone 2 Snipe and 2 Whimbrel.
Moths
Another large attraction to the moth trap overnight with 511 moths of 85 species recorded. Newly emerged residents included: Fan-foot, Latticed Heath, Thistle Ermine, Garden Pebble, Bee Moth and Short-cloaked Moth.

Little Ringed Plover

10th July 2013 – hot and sunny/NE1/2
Offshore
A check over a calm sea early morning produced small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The southbound trickle of Willow Warbler continues with 3 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds remain on the move with 100 Sand Martin, 30 Swift and 30 Swallow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was the pick of the waders.
Moths
Another large attraction to the moth trap overnight with 442 moths of 81 species recorded. Newly emerged residents included: Willow Beauty, Dot Moth, Small Rivulet, Double Square Spot, Common Emerald and Gold Spangle.

Further hints of autumn migration

9th July 2013 – hot and sunny/calm
Offshore
A check over a calm sea early morning produced small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Four Willow Warbler were presumably failed breeders beginning the journey south.
Diurnal Migration
The first Grey Wagtail of the autumn was logged along with 8 Sand Martin and 2 Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank amongst 25 Redshank and 2 Whimbrel and 10 Bar-tailed Godwit amongst 100 Curlew.
Moths
The warm nights has seen a significant increase in activity around the moth trap with 380 moths of 70 species logged. Recently emerged residents include The Gothic, Straw Dot, July Belle, Double-striped Pug, Drinker, Smoky Wainscot and White Plume Moth.

Sand Martin and Common Sandpiper on the move

8th July 2013 – hot and sunny E1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0840) produced 32 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 3 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A large movement of Sand Martin was noted with 170 birds logged. Also seen were 50 Swallow, 10 House Martin and 7 Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
Moths
Recently emerged residents included: Small Dotted Buff, Common Footman, Dark Fruit Tree Tortrix and Rose Tortrix.

Hints of movement

7th July 2013 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Despite the calm conditions small groups of Manx Shearwater were close inshore early morning with 53 birds logged. Also seen were 11 Common Scoter and smaller numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Three juvenile Stonechat were good to see following the recent population crash although probably post-breeding dispersal rather than true migration.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 15 Swift flew through.
Moths
A Map-winged Swift was unusual and recently emerged residents include: Small Fan-footed Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Riband Wave, Barred Straw, Archer’s Dart and Rustic.

Pomarine Skua

4th July 2013 – overcast SW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations were led by a fine adult Pomarine Skua and also produced 365 Manx Shearwater, 50 Common Scoter, 16 Gannet, 15 Kittiwake, 6 Sandwich Tern and 4 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a flock of 140 Knot – all in non-breeding plumage.
Breeding Birds
The first young Swallow have now fledged - rather later than usual.
Moths
Recently emerged residents include: White Satin, Snout, Garden Tiger and Wormwood Pug.

First young Whitethroat fledge

1st July 2013 – overcast/showers W3/4
Offshore
Morning observations produced an Arctic Skua but just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Gannet and Guillemot.
Breeding Birds
The first young Whitethroat have now fledged, though still waiting for the first Swallow to emerge.
Moths
Recently emerged residents include: Clay, Dark Spectacle, Heart and Club, Strawberry Tortrix, Broom Moth and Mottled Beauty.

Excellent ringing total for June

30th June 2013 – overcast W3
Offshore
Mid-morning observations produced 70 Manx Shearwater, 30 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
An early returning Chiffchaff was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swift was noted.
Ringing
An excellent ringing total for the month involved 139 birds of 11 species with a steady arrival of post-breeding Starling leading the way. Individual species totals were as follows: Starling (92), Greenfinch (14), Goldfinch (10), Sedge Warbler (9), House Sparrow (4), Whitethroat (3), Lapwing (2), Reed Bunting (2), Wllow Warbler (1), Chiffchaff (1) and Magpie (1).

Seabirds and returning waders

28th June 2013 – rain WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations provided 230 Manx Shearwater, 38 Gannet, 10 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Redshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted over the island.