26th May 2014 – bright and sunny S2/3
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide produced 110 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Manx Shearwater and Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant revealed its Isle of Man origins and a Greenfinch with ring sequence TT34*** was controlled.
Moths
Ingrailed Clay was new for the year.
White-winged Black Tern
25th May 2014 – overcast NE2/3
Rarities
Morning observations over the sea were enlivened when a White-winged Black Tern flew east into Morecambe Bay at 0900hrs.
Offshore
The rising tide (0810-0910) also produced 39 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Common Tern, Little Tern and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Reed Warbler was newly arrived but otherwise just 4 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain in residence while waders included 11 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved 2 Silver Y and a Diamond-back Moth.
Rarities
Morning observations over the sea were enlivened when a White-winged Black Tern flew east into Morecambe Bay at 0900hrs.
Offshore
The rising tide (0810-0910) also produced 39 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Common Tern, Little Tern and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Reed Warbler was newly arrived but otherwise just 4 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain in residence while waders included 11 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved 2 Silver Y and a Diamond-back Moth.
Same old, same old!
24th May 2014 – sunny spells NE3/4
Offshore
Observations on the morning’s rising tide produced 52 Gannet, 42 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Shag.
Diurnal Migration
The steady trickle of Swallow continued.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese still remain in residence.
Offshore
Observations on the morning’s rising tide produced 52 Gannet, 42 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Shag.
Diurnal Migration
The steady trickle of Swallow continued.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese still remain in residence.
Slow going
22nd May 2014 – overcast/rain at times SE2
Offshore
Morning passage (0615-0715) proved quieter than of late with just 21 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and a Common Tern logged.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to pass through in low numbers.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain.
Moths
Garden Pebble, Small Angle Shades and Mottled Rustic were new for the year.
Offshore
Morning passage (0615-0715) proved quieter than of late with just 21 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and a Common Tern logged.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to pass through in low numbers.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain.
Moths
Garden Pebble, Small Angle Shades and Mottled Rustic were new for the year.
Spring passage draws to a close
21st May 2014 – bright and sunny SE2
Offshore
Observations (0615-0715) produced 86 Gannet, 64 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
The daily trickle of Swallow continues.
Grounded Migrants
A few Wheatear were the only evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain and a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Moths
The moth trap has finally come to life following the warm dry spell with 316 moths of 36 species trapped. Small Square-spot was the top species with 104 individuals logged while Common Swift, Sandy Carpet, Lime Speck Pug, Elephant Hawkmoth, Dog’s Tooth, Ruby Tiger and Treble Lines were all new for the year.
Offshore
Observations (0615-0715) produced 86 Gannet, 64 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
The daily trickle of Swallow continues.
Grounded Migrants
A few Wheatear were the only evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose remain and a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Moths
The moth trap has finally come to life following the warm dry spell with 316 moths of 36 species trapped. Small Square-spot was the top species with 104 individuals logged while Common Swift, Sandy Carpet, Lime Speck Pug, Elephant Hawkmoth, Dog’s Tooth, Ruby Tiger and Treble Lines were all new for the year.
More of the same
20th May 2014 – early rain then sunny spells SE2/1
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 7 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese still remain in residence.
Moths
Heart and Dart, Silver-ground Carpet and Dusky Brocade were new for the year.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral was recorded and Wall Brown and Small Copper are now on the wing.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 7 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese still remain in residence.
Moths
Heart and Dart, Silver-ground Carpet and Dusky Brocade were new for the year.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral was recorded and Wall Brown and Small Copper are now on the wing.
Strong Common Scoter passage continues
19th May 2014 – bright and sunny then thundery showers SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced another bheavy northbound passage of Common Scoter with 1215 birds recorded. Also seen were 24 Guillemot, 20 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Diurnal Migration
The Swallow trickle continues.
Grounded Migrants
There was little on offer apart from 2 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue in residence.
Moths
Purple-bar was new for the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced another bheavy northbound passage of Common Scoter with 1215 birds recorded. Also seen were 24 Guillemot, 20 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Diurnal Migration
The Swallow trickle continues.
Grounded Migrants
There was little on offer apart from 2 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue in residence.
Moths
Purple-bar was new for the year.
Ruff new for the year
18th May 2014 – sunny spells S2/3
Offshore
Observations (0730-0830) were again led by a movement of Common Scoter with 320 birds recorded. However the supporting cast was limited to 4 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Low numbers of Swallow and House Martin, moved through.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidence by 12 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and single pale-bellied Brent Goose remain and waders included 340 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel and a Ruff.
Moths
The micro Acleris badiana was the first island record.
Images
Acleris badiana.
Offshore
Observations (0730-0830) were again led by a movement of Common Scoter with 320 birds recorded. However the supporting cast was limited to 4 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Low numbers of Swallow and House Martin, moved through.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidence by 12 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 dark-bellied and single pale-bellied Brent Goose remain and waders included 340 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel and a Ruff.
Moths
The micro Acleris badiana was the first island record.
Images
Acleris badiana.
Common Scoter remain on the move
17th May 2014 – bright and sunny S2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0650-0750) were dominated by Common Scoter with 337 birds logged. Also seen were 40 Guillemot, 11 Razorbill, 6 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift moved through.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear were to the fore with 23 birds seen while 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A least 2 dark-bellied and a single pale-bellied Brent Goose continue to remain in residence.
Moths
Clouded Bordered Brindle, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and Cyclamen Totrix were new for the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0650-0750) were dominated by Common Scoter with 337 birds logged. Also seen were 40 Guillemot, 11 Razorbill, 6 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift moved through.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear were to the fore with 23 birds seen while 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A least 2 dark-bellied and a single pale-bellied Brent Goose continue to remain in residence.
Moths
Clouded Bordered Brindle, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and Cyclamen Totrix were new for the year.
Dragonflies begin to emerge
16th May 2014 – early mist/fog SE1
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger.
Moths
Chinese Character was new for the year.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly have now emerged.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger.
Moths
Chinese Character was new for the year.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly have now emerged.
First Spotted Flycatchers arrive
15th May 2014 – early drizzle then sunny spells W1/2
Grounded Migrants
Although the first 2 Spotted Flycatcher of the year arrived additional sightings were limited to 5 Wheatear and 4 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to hold 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds.
Breeding Birds
A pair of Coal Tits were feeding young – there are just three known previous instances of breeding.
Moths
The plague of Brown Silver-line continues with 110 adorning the trap. Brimstone, Light Brown Apple Moth and Poplar Hawkmoth were new for the year.
Grounded Migrants
Although the first 2 Spotted Flycatcher of the year arrived additional sightings were limited to 5 Wheatear and 4 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to hold 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds.
Breeding Birds
A pair of Coal Tits were feeding young – there are just three known previous instances of breeding.
Moths
The plague of Brown Silver-line continues with 110 adorning the trap. Brimstone, Light Brown Apple Moth and Poplar Hawkmoth were new for the year.
Common Scoter head north
14th May 2014 – sunny spells SW1/2
Offshore
Common Scoter were on the move early morning (0615-0715) with 840 birds logged. Otherwise it was quiet with 12 Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet seen.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to move through.
Grounded Migrants
Although there was a sprinkling of further Sedge Warbler on territory otherwise the only evidence of grounded birds involved 15 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Moths
Small Square-spot was new for the year.
Offshore
Common Scoter were on the move early morning (0615-0715) with 840 birds logged. Otherwise it was quiet with 12 Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet seen.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to move through.
Grounded Migrants
Although there was a sprinkling of further Sedge Warbler on territory otherwise the only evidence of grounded birds involved 15 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 3 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Moths
Small Square-spot was new for the year.
Redstart
13th May 2014 – sunny spells W1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Wheatear and single Redstart and Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to hold 3 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds.
Moths
A Bright-line Brown Eye was newly emerged amongst an exceptional 74 Brown Silver-line.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Wheatear and single Redstart and Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to hold 3 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds.
Moths
A Bright-line Brown Eye was newly emerged amongst an exceptional 74 Brown Silver-line.
More of the same
12th May 2014 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 152 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow remain on the move.
Grounded Migrants
There was little on offer other than 19 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 4 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds. The pair of Gadwall remain and waders included 2000 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to stalk the island’s pools and tidal creeks.
Moths
A Lychnis was the first of the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 152 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow remain on the move.
Grounded Migrants
There was little on offer other than 19 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 4 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds. The pair of Gadwall remain and waders included 2000 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to stalk the island’s pools and tidal creeks.
Moths
A Lychnis was the first of the year.
More skuas
11th May 2014 – sunny spells W4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) were highlighted by a single Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and a Puffin amongst 126 Common Scoter, 44 Sandwich Tern, 42 Guillemot, 34 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 12 Wheatear and a solitary Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 5 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain while waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven were again seen.
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) were highlighted by a single Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and a Puffin amongst 126 Common Scoter, 44 Sandwich Tern, 42 Guillemot, 34 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 12 Wheatear and a solitary Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 5 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain while waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven were again seen.
Hard Work!
10th May 2014 – sunshine and showers SSE4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 21 Gannet, 21 Sandwich Tern, 14 Guillemot, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-throated Diver, Fulmar and Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin continue to move through.
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Willow Warbler and 2 Wheatear provided evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 3 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds while the pair of Gadwall remain.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven remain in residence.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 21 Gannet, 21 Sandwich Tern, 14 Guillemot, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-throated Diver, Fulmar and Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin continue to move through.
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Willow Warbler and 2 Wheatear provided evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 3 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds while the pair of Gadwall remain.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven remain in residence.
Yet more early morning seabirds
9th May 2014 – overcast W5
Offshore
Observations (0615-0715 & 1230-1330) produced totals of 75 Sandwich Tern, 64 Common Scoter, 46 Gannet, 34 Guillemot, 27 Manx Shearwater, 27 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar and single Red-throated Diver, Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 22 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger and waders included 3 summer plumaged Golden Plover.
Offshore
Observations (0615-0715 & 1230-1330) produced totals of 75 Sandwich Tern, 64 Common Scoter, 46 Gannet, 34 Guillemot, 27 Manx Shearwater, 27 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar and single Red-throated Diver, Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 22 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger and waders included 3 summer plumaged Golden Plover.
More early morning seabirds
8th May 2014 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 125 Common Scoter, 77 Gannet, 32 Kittiwake, 18 Sandwich Tern, 18 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern and a Shag, with the exception of the divers, all were heading towards the outer reaches of Morecambe Bay.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 birds came in off the sea during early morning observations and small numbers were still moving through in the evening suggesting a substantial passage through the day.
Grounded Migrants
Only 2 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were candidates for newly grounded arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 5 dark-bellied and a single pale-bellied bird. A pair of Gadwall were new in while waders included 300 Turnstone and 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 125 Common Scoter, 77 Gannet, 32 Kittiwake, 18 Sandwich Tern, 18 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern and a Shag, with the exception of the divers, all were heading towards the outer reaches of Morecambe Bay.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 birds came in off the sea during early morning observations and small numbers were still moving through in the evening suggesting a substantial passage through the day.
Grounded Migrants
Only 2 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were candidates for newly grounded arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 5 dark-bellied and a single pale-bellied bird. A pair of Gadwall were new in while waders included 300 Turnstone and 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
More early morning skuas
7th May 2014 – overcast SW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 3 Arctic Skua and 2 Velvet Scoter along with totals of 219 Common Scoter, 127 Gannet, 87 Manx Shearwater, 57 Sandwich Tern, 48 Guillemot, 49 Kittiwake, 26 Red-throated Diver, 16 Razorbill, 10 Fulmar, 3 Little Tern and an Artic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 5 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 3 pale-bellied birds while waders included 5500 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 3 Arctic Skua and 2 Velvet Scoter along with totals of 219 Common Scoter, 127 Gannet, 87 Manx Shearwater, 57 Sandwich Tern, 48 Guillemot, 49 Kittiwake, 26 Red-throated Diver, 16 Razorbill, 10 Fulmar, 3 Little Tern and an Artic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 5 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 3 pale-bellied birds while waders included 5500 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
Early morning skuas
6th May 2014 – overcast W3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0745) produced a group of 3 Pomarine Skua heading into Morecambe Bay along with 159 Common Scoter, 76 Sandwich Tern, 71 Gannet, 19 Guillemot, 19 Kittiwake, 15 Common Gull, 11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Razorbill, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Around a dozen Wheatear and a Blackcap were the best on offer.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to hold 7 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied birds. Several Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0745) produced a group of 3 Pomarine Skua heading into Morecambe Bay along with 159 Common Scoter, 76 Sandwich Tern, 71 Gannet, 19 Guillemot, 19 Kittiwake, 15 Common Gull, 11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Razorbill, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Around a dozen Wheatear and a Blackcap were the best on offer.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to hold 7 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied birds. Several Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again present.
Slow going
5th May 2014 – hazy sun then overcast SE3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea were unspectacular (0800-0900) with just 26 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Gannet recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin appeared amongst the continued trickle of House Martin and Swallow.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 13 Wheatear but otherwise sightings were limited to small numbers of newly arrived Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 44 Whimbrel was logged and a single Greenshank was seen.
Moths
Tawny Shears and Marbled Coronet are newly emerged.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea were unspectacular (0800-0900) with just 26 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Gannet recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin appeared amongst the continued trickle of House Martin and Swallow.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 13 Wheatear but otherwise sightings were limited to small numbers of newly arrived Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 44 Whimbrel was logged and a single Greenshank was seen.
Moths
Tawny Shears and Marbled Coronet are newly emerged.
Goosander surprise
4th May 2014 – overcast/drizzle at times SE3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 102 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 7 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Manx Shearwater while later sightings (1300-1345) added a further 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was again the pick of the grounded birds which also included 20 Wheatear and small numbers of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 5 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied birds and waders included 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Grey Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel. A flock of 6 Goosander drifting in with the tide was a surprise.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of Lapwing chicks have now started to appear.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 102 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 7 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Manx Shearwater while later sightings (1300-1345) added a further 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was again the pick of the grounded birds which also included 20 Wheatear and small numbers of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 5 dark-bellied and 3 pale-bellied birds and waders included 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Grey Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel. A flock of 6 Goosander drifting in with the tide was a surprise.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of Lapwing chicks have now started to appear.
First Swift of the year
3rd May 2014 – overcast/cool SE3/2/1
Offshore
The sea provided 146 Common Scoter, 105 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 7 Little Tern, 5 dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the year flew through amongst a trickle of House Martin and Swallow and a skein of 13 Pink-footed Geese were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Wheatear and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Dunlin, 150 Sanderling, 40 Whimbrel and 20 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
A late Merlin was logged.
Offshore
The sea provided 146 Common Scoter, 105 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 7 Little Tern, 5 dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the year flew through amongst a trickle of House Martin and Swallow and a skein of 13 Pink-footed Geese were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Wheatear and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Dunlin, 150 Sanderling, 40 Whimbrel and 20 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
A late Merlin was logged.
Whimbrel numbers begin to build
2nd May 2014 – sunny spells ENE2
Offshore
Observations (0630-0800) produced just 55 Common Scoter, 13 Gannet, 9 Little Tern, 2 Shag and single Arctic Tern, Common Tern and dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was the pick of a short list which also included 27 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel begin to build with 81 birds logged, also seen were 7200 Dunlin and 200 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret continues to stalk the island’s saltmarshes.
Offshore
Observations (0630-0800) produced just 55 Common Scoter, 13 Gannet, 9 Little Tern, 2 Shag and single Arctic Tern, Common Tern and dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was the pick of a short list which also included 27 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel begin to build with 81 birds logged, also seen were 7200 Dunlin and 200 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret continues to stalk the island’s saltmarshes.
First Garden Warbler of the year
1st May 2014 – mist/rain clearing later NE1/2/3/4
Offshore
A quick check of the sea early evening (1745-1815) produced 2 Arctic Skua amongst 150 Sandwich Tern and 8 Gannet, 3 Little Tern and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by a solitary Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
The first Garden Warbler of the year was logged but otherwise sightings were limited to 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Wheatear, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and single Grasshopper Warbler and Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese continue in residence and waders included 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Raven were also recorded.
Moths
A catch of 3 Least Black Arches would appear to be exceptional for the island.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea early evening (1745-1815) produced 2 Arctic Skua amongst 150 Sandwich Tern and 8 Gannet, 3 Little Tern and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by a solitary Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
The first Garden Warbler of the year was logged but otherwise sightings were limited to 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Wheatear, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and single Grasshopper Warbler and Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese continue in residence and waders included 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Raven were also recorded.
Moths
A catch of 3 Least Black Arches would appear to be exceptional for the island.
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