Redstart and lingering Brent Geese

30th April 2014 – overcast/murky/misty/showers/calm then W2
Offshore
The low visibility meant that there was little evidence of movement over the sea early morning excepting for a few Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Redstart and Grasshopper Warbler were the pick of a small crop which also included 15 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and just 2 Willow Warbler. However, the number of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler across the island continues to increase slowly.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese are still present and waders included 15 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raven, Peregrine and Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Moths
The moth trap has finally started to attract species in double figures with Spectacle, Ruby Tiger, Cinnibar and White Ermine all new for the year.
Ringing
A total of 490 birds of 24 species were trapped during the month. Individual species totals were as follows, the figures in brackets refer to retraps. Goldfinch 66 (259), Willow Warbler 49 (1), Linnet 15 (14), Blackcap 10, Chaffinch 8, Blackbird 7 (3), Wren 7 (1), Chiffchaff 7, Goldcrest 5, Lesser Redpoll 5, House Sparrow (4), Redstart 3, Reed Bunting 2 (11), Greenfinch 2, Robin 2, Cuckoo 1, Collared Dove 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Fieldfare 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1 and Great Tit 1.

Migration blocked!

29th April 2014 – overcast/murky/calm
Offshore
A feeding flock of 100 Sandwich Tern was the best on offer, in what was very poor visibility.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 110 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Grounded Migrants
Birds were rather thin on the ground with just a handful of Willow Warbler and Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included several Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret and a pair of Raven were the best of the rest.
Moths
Rustic Shoulder-knot, Shuttle-shaped Dart, and Double-striped Pug were new for the year.

Chats and starts

28th April 2014 – overcast/murky/calm
Offshore
A couple of Little Tern were the best that the sea could muster.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through in low numbers.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of migrants were led by 3 Whinchat, 2 Redstart and a Grasshopper Warbler along with 20 Willow Warbler and 14 Wheatear. The number of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat on breeding territories remain low.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included several Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven were the best of the rest.
Moths
Scalloped Hazel and Dark Barred Twin-spot Carpet were new for the year.

Puffin headlines

27th April 2014 – overcast/murky NE4/5/6
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0700-0900) provided a Puffin along with 150 Sandwich Tern, 103 Common Scoter, 101 Gannet, 15 Red-throated Diver, 9 Guillemot, 5 Little Tern, 4 Razorbill, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 86 birds headed north and small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continue to move through. However, two Yellow Wagtail were the highlight.
Grounded Migrants
Two Whinchat were amongst 30 Wheatear and newly arrived warblers included a sprinkling of Blackcap, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler among 16 Willow Warbler. At least 10 Lesser Whitethroat are now on territory.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese continue to loiter while waders included 4500 Dunlin, 100 Sanderling, 25 Whimbrel and 10 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Ringing
One of the Willow Warbler was a control beginning with ring sequence ETR***.

Common Tern and Common Sandpiper new for the year

26th April 2014 – early rain then sunny spells SE3/5
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1200-1300) produced 140 Sandwich Tern, 101 Arctic Tern, 8 Little Tern and a Common Tern along with 28 Gannet, 14 Red-throated Diver and small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to move through in small numbers.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds with the exception of 32 Wheatear, were at a premium with just 3 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three pale-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger while waders included 3000 Dunlin, 51 Grey Plover, 27 Whimbrel, 24 Golden Plover and single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper – the latter the first of the year.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier continues to roam the island.

Marsh Harrier and Ring Ouzel

25th April 2014 – bright start rain later E2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 106 Sandwich Tern, 100 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and a Great Skua.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through.
Grounded Migrants
A female Ring Ouzel was the pick of the grounded birds which also included 9 Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A female Marsh Harrier hunted the island for most of the day.
Moths
Least Black Arches was new for the year.

Fall conditions

24th April 2014 – hazy sun V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 40 Common Scoter, 40 Sandwich Tern, 30 Guillemot, 24 Razorbill, 10 Arctic Tern, 10 Gannet and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall produced an excellent variety with 76 Wheatear, 34 Willow Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Redstart and single Stonechat, Sedge Warbler, Coal Tit, Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat, Fieldfare and Song Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Whimbrel.
Moths
Chamomile Shark and Brown Silver-line were new for the year.

Little Tern, Arctic Tern and Whinchat

22nd April 2014 – overcast/showers later E2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715 & 1730-1800) were led by 12 Arctic Tern and single Little Tern and Arctic Skua along with totals of 112 Common Scoter, 110 Sandwich Tern, 52 Razorbill, 38 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow flew through.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 58 Wheatear but otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to 12 Willow Warbler and a Robin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Dunlin, 35 Golden Plover, 30 Sanderling and a Whimbrel.
Moths
Shoulder Stripe, Hebrew Character, Clouded Drab and Angle Shades were attracted to the moth trap.

Redstart and Yellow Wagtail

21st April 2014 – overcast then hazy sun NE2/3/4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) provided 21 Gannet, 18 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Scoter, 11 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail flew through amongst a few Swallow.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was evident with 14 Wheatear, 6 White Wagtail, 3 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and single Mistle Thrush, Whitethroat, Redstart and Stonechat amongst 60 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The last few Teal continue to linger.

Warblers now on territory

20th April 2014 – bright and sunny NE1/2/3/4/5 rain later
Offshore
Morning observations provided 50 Common Scoter, 25 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll and Swallow flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived migrants and birds now holding territory included 9 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 6 Wheatear, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock decreased again with just 3 pale-bellied birds remaining.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.

Sedge Warbler newly arrived

19th January 2014 – bright and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea revealed just 100 Sandwich Tern and 10 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines continue to trickle through with Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin all logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were again in evidence with 18 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and single Stonechat, Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest and Whitethroat logged.
Images
Sparrowhawk with kill.

Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warbler new in

18th April 2014 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea provided just 50 Sandwich Tern, 12 Guillemot, 8 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
The first House Martin of the year was amongst a trickle of Swallow and 8 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 23 Willow Warbler, 20 Wheatear, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap and single Whitethroat and White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock again held 14pale-bellied birds and there are now 10 Whimbrel present.
Miscellaneous
A Grey Partridge was a surprise.

First Whimbrel arrive

17th April 2014 – sunny spells SE3/2/1
Offshore
Offshore observations (1230-1330) produced 101 Guillemot, 50 Sandwich Tern 29 Common Scoter, 11 Manx Shearwater, 11 Razorbill, 8 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of birds included 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock decreased to 14 pale-bellied birds and waders included 28 Bar-tailed Godwit and the first 4 Whimbrel of the year.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

First Lesser Whitethroat returns

16th April 2014 – sunny spells SE3/2/1
Offshore
A quick check in the evening over a flat calm sea revealed 100 Sandwich Tern, 40 Guillemot, 24 Red-throated Diver, 7 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 110 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a few Lesser Redpoll, Swallow and Sand Martin trickled through.
Grounded Migrants
The first Lesser Whitethroat is now back on territory but otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 110 Golden Plover were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain in residence and 2 Jay and a Stock Dove were unusual.
Moths
Herald and Powdered Quaker were new for the year.

Early Cuckoo

14th April 2014 – hazy sunshine NW4/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 20 Red-throated Diver, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 12 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 8 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through.
Grounded Migrants
What appears to be the earliest ever Cuckoo recorded on the island was a surprise for the ringers, otherwise, again there was little on offer with just a handful of Willow Warbler and Wheatear.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Little Egret were the pick of the other sightings.

Slow start to spring continues

13th April 2014 – overcast W3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0800-0900) produced 320 Sandwich Tern, 37 Common Scoter, 14 Guillemot, 12 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Gannet, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Kittiwake and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with just 6 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 112 pale-bellied birds and waders included 340 Turnstone, 140 Grey Plover, 119 Golden Plover and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret were logged while a Peregrine hunted the dwindling wader flocks.

Black Guillemot

12th April 2014 – overcast/showers SW3/4/5
Offshore
The most productive spell of observation so far this year (0650-0750 & 1200-1300) were led by a summer plumaged Black Guillemot along with 341 Sandwich Tern, 143 Common Scoter, 116 Gannet, 93 Guillemot, 55 Kittiwake, 34 Red-throated Diver, 22 Razorbill, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Fulmar, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and an Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow moved through.
Grounded Migrants
Again little on offer with just 7 White Wagtail, 4 Willow Warbler and a single Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 110 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret was the best of the rest.

Long-tailed Duck continues to linger

10th April 2014 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0645-0715) produced 84 Common Scoter, 26 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 5 Fulmar, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A few Sand Martin moved through.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Willow Warbler and 6 White Wagtail were logged, otherwise disappointing with a complete lack of Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.

First Swallow arrives

6th April 2014 – overcast/rain soon SW3/4/5
Offshore
Observations between the pulses of rain through the day produced the first Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater of the year amongst totals of 133 Common Scoter, 104 Gannet, 68 Sandwich Tern, 33 Guillemot, 21 Razorbill, 17 Kittiwake, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A Swallow and 2 Sand Martin appeared through the gloom.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Chiffchaff and 4 White Wagtail were the only species to trouble the log.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.

Migration remains slow

5th April 2014 – overcast/rain soon S2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations before the rain set in (0715-0915) produced 134 Common Scoter, 66 Sandwich Tern, 61 Gannet, 53 Razorbill, 14 Guillemot, 13 Red-throated Diver, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goosander and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin were amongst small numbers of Meadow Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
Only 4 Chiffchaff and 3 Willow Warbler provided obvious evidence of newly arrived birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
Barn Owl and Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Slow pace migration continues

4th April 2014 – overcast/mist/murk/brighter later E2
Offshore
Poor visibility again hampered observations until late in the day (1410-1510) when 19 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 12 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and 7 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by a single Sand Martin.
Grounded Migrants
Another scattering of birds were logged including 70 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 4 Wheatear, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat and a Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues to linger and waders included 600 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain.
Moths
Red Chestnut and Early Grey were new for the year.

Reed Bunting control

3rd April 2014 – overcast/murky E3/2/1
Offshore
Poor visibility hampered observations and just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill and Guillemot were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were on the move with 480 birds logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another scattering of birds with 4 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat and a Willow Warbler recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues to linger and the Brent Goose flock held 136 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 900 Golden Plover and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.
Ringing
A Reed Bunting was controlled starting with ring number sequence D014***.
Moths
A Shoulder Stripe was just the third for the south end of the island.
Images
Shoulder Stripe.

Ring Ouzel

1st April 2014 – misty start, brighter later V1
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Sand Martin was the pick of the birds logged.
Grounded Migrants
A good smattering of species were led by a Ring Ouzel and the first Willow Warbler and Blackcap of the year. Also seen were 15 Blackbird, 13 Wheatear, 8 Redwing, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail, Stonechat and Great Tit
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues to linger and waders included a Jack Snipe and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.
Moths
The moth trap again sprung into life with Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character, Early Thorn and Common Quaker all new for the year.
Images
Ring Ouzel.