Grey Arches

30th June 2015 – sunny spells/hot and humid SE1/2
Offshore
A few Gannet and Manx Shearwater were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Further autumn dispersal provided single Great Tit and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The early returning Pintail remain in residence.
Moths
A Grey Arches would appear to be the first for the island.
Ringing
The dependence on passage was reflected in the monthly ringing totals with just 121 birds of 10 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps and controls in brackets): Starling 8 (1), Goldfinch 3, (97), Greenfinch 3, Lapwing 3, House Sparrow 1, Carrion Crow 1, Chiffchaff 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackbird (1), Reed Bunting (1).

Early Coal Tit Dispersal

27th June 2015 – sunny spells SW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0700-0900) were led by 1350 Manx Shearwater and 3 Puffin. Additional sightings included 63 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 20 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot and 3 Sandwich Tern .
Grounded Migrants
Early autumn dispersal provided 2 juvenile Coal Tit and 2 adult Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
An early returning Pintail was logged and waders included 3 Greenshank amongst 40 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains in residence.
Moths and Butterflies
Meadow Brown and Large Skipper are now on the wing while overnight attractions to the moth trap included White Satin, Ingrailed Clay, Archers Dart, Dark Arches and Silky Wainscot.

Shearwaters on the move

21st June 2015 – sunny spells WNW4
Offshore
Morning observations (0700-0900) produced 1200 Manx Shearwater, 80 Gannet, 56 Kittiwake, 55 Common Scoter, 42 Guillemot, 30 Sandwich Tern, 22 Razorbill, 3 Little Tern and single Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build slowly and waders included 100 Sanderling and a Greenshank.
Moths and Butterflies
The first Wall Browns have now emerged.
Mammals
Another Weasel was logged.

Late waders

17th June 2015 – overcast/drizzle S2
Offshore
The sea proved quiet with just 12 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 3 Sandwich Tern and 2 Arctic Tern logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three broods of Tufted Duck have emerged and waders included 3000 Knot, 60 Dunlin, 25 Turnstone, 20 Sanderling and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets remain in evidence.
Moths and Butterflies
A small influx in Red Admiral and Painted Lady has been noted.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.

Dolphins and waders

13th June 2015 – overcast V1
Offshore
The sea proved quiet early morning with just 19 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 2 Razorbill and a Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Teal have returned while waders still presumably heading north included 1820 Knot, 220 Sanderling, 50 Grey Plover, 21 Turnstone and single Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains in residence and 8 Little Egret were seen. Two Raven ransacked the island’s waste bins.
Moths and Butterflies
The first Wall Brown are on the wing and a Painted Lady was recorded. Newly emerged moths included Pebble Prominent, Sand Dart and Shears.
Mammals
A pod of 8 Bottle-nose Dolphins lingered offshore.

Migrants continue to trickle through

9th June 2015 – overcast N1/2/3
Offshore
A group of 20 Gannet fed on the evening tide.
Grounded Migrants
Late migrants continue to trickle through with single Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Knot, 47 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.
Moths
A Beautiful Golden Y was new for the year.

Manx Shearwaters

6th June 2015 – sunny spells S5/6/7
Offshore
Morning observations over high seas produced 600 Manx Shearwater, 283 Guillemot, 101 Gannet, 27 Razorbill, 16 Kittiwake, 15 Sandwich Tern and single Great Skua and Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.
Moths
Marbled Coronet was new for the year.

More Puffins!

5th June 2015 – overcast/showers SW3/4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea over the tide produced 4 Puffin amongst 78 Guillemot, and 6 Razorbill. Also seen were 260 Manx Shearwater, 28 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 21 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter and 3 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Wheatear was all that was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths and Butterflies
The second Painted Lady of the year ws seen and newly emerged moths included Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Silver Ground Carpet, Garden Carpet, Common Carpet and Brimstone.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.

Evening seawatch

2nd June 2015 – sunny spells W5
Offshore
An evening watch (1630-1730) produced 100 Manx Shearwater, 50 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 12 Kittiwake, 12 Sandwich Tern, 3 Fulmar and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Single Wheatear and Chiffchaff were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Knot, 20 Sanderling and 6 Grey Plover.
Moths
The first Large Yellow Underwing has now emerged.