31st March 2014 – hazy sun E3
Offshore
Visibility was poor and sightings were limited to small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed north over the island at 1025hrs and 1500 Meadow Pipit moved through.
Grounded Migrants
A much quieter day after yesterday’s influx, just 12 Pied Wagtail, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear and single Stonechat and White Wagtail .
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 115 pale-bellied birds and 5 Pintail were also recorded.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain.
Ringing
A good start to the year saw 115 birds of 17 species ringed on the island while a total of 366 birds of 11 species have been retrapped. Individual species totals were as follows (the figures in brackets refer to retraps). Moorhen 2, Woodpigeon 2, Wren 2, Dunnock 1,(9), Robin 5, (2), Blackbird 7,(3), Song Thrush 5, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 7,(1), Great Tit 1,(1), House Sparrow 1,(3), Chaffinch 5, (2), Greenfinch 11,(17), Goldfinch 41, (297), Siskin 1, Linnet 4, (5), Reed Bunting 7, (26).
Common Crane flies through
30th March 2014 – hazy sun E3
Rarities
A Common Crane flew east over the island at 1000hrs and was encouraged on its way by the local Shelduck population.
Offshore
Apart from 2 redhead Goosander it was quiet over the sea (0800-0900) with just 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Red-breasted Merganser logged.
Diurnal Migration
The most productive morning of the year so far produced 1495 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Siskin and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Lesser Redpoll and Rook.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Wheatear was apparent with 48 birds logged, also seen were 29 Pied Wagtail, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail and a Stonechat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 123 pale-bellied birds and 3 Pintail and a Greenshank were also recorded.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain in residence.
Rarities
A Common Crane flew east over the island at 1000hrs and was encouraged on its way by the local Shelduck population.
Offshore
Apart from 2 redhead Goosander it was quiet over the sea (0800-0900) with just 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Red-breasted Merganser logged.
Diurnal Migration
The most productive morning of the year so far produced 1495 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Siskin and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Lesser Redpoll and Rook.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Wheatear was apparent with 48 birds logged, also seen were 29 Pied Wagtail, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail and a Stonechat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 123 pale-bellied birds and 3 Pintail and a Greenshank were also recorded.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain in residence.
Hooded Crow and first Sand Martin
29th March 2014 – overcast E4/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 50 Razorbill, 32 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and single Kittiwake and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
The first 2 Sand Martin of the year were amongst 590 Meadow Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase produced 18 Pied Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 7 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 121 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 50 Razorbill, 32 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and single Kittiwake and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
The first 2 Sand Martin of the year were amongst 590 Meadow Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase produced 18 Pied Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 7 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 121 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Meadow Pipits on the move
28th March 2014 – overcast/drizzle/rain
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 22 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet and a Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by the arrival of 590 Meadow Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
A light sprinkling involved 8 Pied Wagtail, 6 Wheatear and single Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 53 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 22 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet and a Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by the arrival of 590 Meadow Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
A light sprinkling involved 8 Pied Wagtail, 6 Wheatear and single Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 53 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Long-tailed Duck continues to linger
27th March 2014 – overcast/hazy SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning provided just 50 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and a Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and waders included 750 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence.
Offshore
Early morning provided just 50 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and a Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and waders included 750 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence.
Migration trickle
23rd March 2014 – bright and sunny NW4
Offshore
Early morning provided just 26 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of sightings involved 3 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck was amongst 9 Goldeneye and waders included 3 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine hunted Starlings and a few Little Egret remain in residence.
Offshore
Early morning provided just 26 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of sightings involved 3 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck was amongst 9 Goldeneye and waders included 3 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine hunted Starlings and a few Little Egret remain in residence.
Slow going
22nd March 2014 – overcast WSW4
Offshore
Early morning observations recorded 47 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 19 Razorbill, 15 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot and a Great Crested Grebe.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by the arrival of 40 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 137 pale-bellied birds and the Long-tailed Duck remains while waders included 600 Golden Plover and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Offshore
Early morning observations recorded 47 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 19 Razorbill, 15 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot and a Great Crested Grebe.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by the arrival of 40 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 137 pale-bellied birds and the Long-tailed Duck remains while waders included 600 Golden Plover and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Blue Fulmar and first Sandwich Tern
21st March 2014 – sunny spells W4/3
Offshore
Early morning produced 15 Common Scoter, 13 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Fulmar – including a blue phase individual.
Diurnal Migration
Evidenced by the arrival of a further 65 Meadow Pipit and 5 Pied Wagtail.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 6 Blackbird, 5 Wheatear and single Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and additional sightings included 3 Shoveler, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Offshore
Early morning produced 15 Common Scoter, 13 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Fulmar – including a blue phase individual.
Diurnal Migration
Evidenced by the arrival of a further 65 Meadow Pipit and 5 Pied Wagtail.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 6 Blackbird, 5 Wheatear and single Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and additional sightings included 3 Shoveler, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Little Gulls
19th March 2014 – overcast WSW4
Offshore
Early morning observations provided 3 adult Little Gulls amongst 15 Gannet, 7 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
Evidenced by the arrival of 70 Meadow Pipit and 17 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 69 pale-bellied birds and the Long-tailed Duck remains while waders included 600 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Offshore
Early morning observations provided 3 adult Little Gulls amongst 15 Gannet, 7 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
Evidenced by the arrival of 70 Meadow Pipit and 17 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 69 pale-bellied birds and the Long-tailed Duck remains while waders included 600 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Chiffchaff and Fieldfare highlight changing seasons
16th March 2014 – overcast/ drizzle at times WSW4
Offshore
Early morning observations provided just 3 Gannet and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Single Chiffchaff and Fieldfare were the only evidence of newly arrived birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 153 pale-bellied birds and waders included 810 Golden Plover and 9 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Offshore
Early morning observations provided just 3 Gannet and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Single Chiffchaff and Fieldfare were the only evidence of newly arrived birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 153 pale-bellied birds and waders included 810 Golden Plover and 9 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Long-tailed Duck remains
15th March 2014 – overcast SW4
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded birds involved 9 Pied Wagtail, 3 Goldcrest and single Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Siskin
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence and a Merlin was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap again held Dark Sword-grass.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded birds involved 9 Pied Wagtail, 3 Goldcrest and single Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Siskin
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence and a Merlin was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap again held Dark Sword-grass.
First Wheatear and Chiffchaff of the year
13th March 2014 – Fog/Calm
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear and Chiffchaff appeared through the gloom and the White Wagtail remained. Also grounded by the murk were 20 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch and a Siskin
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese headed north late in the day.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap again held Dark Sword-grass.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear and Chiffchaff appeared through the gloom and the White Wagtail remained. Also grounded by the murk were 20 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch and a Siskin
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese headed north late in the day.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret continue in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap again held Dark Sword-grass.
Early White Wagtail
11th March 2014 – bright and sunny E2
Offshore
A group of 4 Shag fed offshore, otherwise just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush was noted and an early White Wagtail put in an appearance amongst small numbers of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Sword-grass, Dark Sword-grass and Grey Shoulder-knot are recent attractions to the moth trap and the first Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing.
Offshore
A group of 4 Shag fed offshore, otherwise just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush was noted and an early White Wagtail put in an appearance amongst small numbers of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Sword-grass, Dark Sword-grass and Grey Shoulder-knot are recent attractions to the moth trap and the first Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing.
More Whooper Swans move through
9th March 2014 – overcast/early light drizzle SSW2
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A further 21 Whooper Swan headed north early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 33 Meadow Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 4 Fieldfare, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Stonechat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
After 67 consecutive nights of operation the moth trap finally attracted its first moth of the year – Beautiful Plume. This was quickly followed by the first butterfly when a Peacock emerged from its winter slumber.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A further 21 Whooper Swan headed north early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 33 Meadow Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 4 Fieldfare, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Stonechat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
After 67 consecutive nights of operation the moth trap finally attracted its first moth of the year – Beautiful Plume. This was quickly followed by the first butterfly when a Peacock emerged from its winter slumber.
Whooper Swans on the move
8th March 2014 – overcast SW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 17 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 7 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 114 Whooper Swan headed north early morning along with 80 Pink-footed Geese and a Stock Dove.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of passage produced 7 Pied Wagtail, 6 Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and a flock of 410 Golden Plover were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and a flock of 50 Twite were recorded.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 17 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 7 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 114 Whooper Swan headed north early morning along with 80 Pink-footed Geese and a Stock Dove.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of passage produced 7 Pied Wagtail, 6 Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup and Long-tailed Duck remain and a flock of 410 Golden Plover were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and a flock of 50 Twite were recorded.
Velvet Scoter
4th March 2014 – sunny spells and early showers SW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) saw a Velvet Scoter moving north along with 29 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The Goldfinch flock provided further evidence of newly arrived birds. A Great Tit, Robin and three Chaffinch were also new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 67 pale-bellied birds and a drake Shoveler was logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to roam the eastern shore and a Merlin hunted Skylarks .
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) saw a Velvet Scoter moving north along with 29 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The Goldfinch flock provided further evidence of newly arrived birds. A Great Tit, Robin and three Chaffinch were also new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 67 pale-bellied birds and a drake Shoveler was logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to roam the eastern shore and a Merlin hunted Skylarks .
A sniff of Spring
1st March 2014 – sunny spells and showers S2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) saw Common Scoter on the move with 255 birds logged. Also seen were Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The Goldfinch flock proved evidence of movement with newly arrived birds present. The first Goldcrest has also moved through and Stonechats are also more evident.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 156 pale-bellied birds, however Wigeon and Teal numbers steadily dwindle.
Miscellaneous
The impact of the winter storms on Razorbill and Guillemot continues to be apparent with further birds found on the strandline after every tide. Also affected, in smaller numbers, are Kittiwake and Fulmar.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) saw Common Scoter on the move with 255 birds logged. Also seen were Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The Goldfinch flock proved evidence of movement with newly arrived birds present. The first Goldcrest has also moved through and Stonechats are also more evident.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 156 pale-bellied birds, however Wigeon and Teal numbers steadily dwindle.
Miscellaneous
The impact of the winter storms on Razorbill and Guillemot continues to be apparent with further birds found on the strandline after every tide. Also affected, in smaller numbers, are Kittiwake and Fulmar.
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