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.