Dolphins reappear

31st July 2015 – sunny spells SW2/3
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern and Common Scoter were offshore.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 12 Swift were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Willow Warbler was the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Redshank, 100 Dunlin and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine and Little Egret were logged.
Moths
Newly emerged moths in the last few days include Flounced Rustic, Straw Underwing, Dotted Clay, Southern Wainscot, July Belle and Scalloped Oak.
Ringing
A relatively quiet month with just 100 birds of 11 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Goldfinch 15 (47), House Sparrow 14 (1), Starling 8, Greenfinch 5, Swallow 3, Willow Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackbird 1, Woodpigeon 1, Dunnock 1 and Linnet 1.
Mammals
A pod of 6 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were offshore briefly.

Seabirds and Waders

18th July 2015 – sunny spells SW5
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-1000) produced 150 Common Scoter, 80 Manx Shearwater, 33 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua and a Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to fly through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Wigeon of the autumn was logged and waders included 1100 Knot, 10 Greenshank, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret continue to roam the island.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Gatekeeper are now on the wing and newly emerged moths include Sand Dart, Eyed Hawkmoth, Olive, Short-cloaked Moth and True Lover’s Knot.

Waders begin to build

12th July 2015 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced 185 Manx Shearwater, 68 Gannet, 1400 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake, 6 Sandwich Tern, 2 Guillemot and 2 Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
The juvenile Whitethroat remained.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot, 200 Redshank, 10 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Immigrants involved Silver Y and Small Mottled Willow.

Hummingbird and Risso's Dolphin

11th July 2015 – overcast NW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced 85 Manx Shearwater, 58 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 8 Guillemot, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Razorbill and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A juvenile Whitethroat was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank.
Mammals
A Risso's Dolphin was offshore.
Moths
Another Hummingbird Hawkmoth graced the moth trap.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

7th July 2015 – overcast NW4/5
Offshore
Evening observations produced small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Guillemot, Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A juvenile Wheatear was logged whilst 2 Stock Dove were a surprise amongst 8 Woodpigeon.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank amongst 70 Redshank.
Moths
A Hummingbird Hawkmoth graced to moth trap.

Black-tailed Godwit influx

4th July 2015 – sunny spells SE2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 175 Common Scoter and just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to fly through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Dunlin, 6 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Moths
Mottled Beauty, Snout, Barred Straw, Burnished Brass and Riband Wave were newly emerged.
Dragonflies
Common Darter are now on the wing.

Garganey remains

4th July 2015 – sunny spells SE2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced just small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A territorial Reed Warbler was newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to fly through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey and Pintail remain and waders included 100 Knot, 40 Grey Plover, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Common Emeral, Light Arches and Bee Moth were newly emerged.
Dragonflies
Emperor Dragonfly are now on the wing.

Garganey

3rd July 2015 – sunny spells SE2
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Garganey was newly arrived while waders included 60 Knot, 24 Grey Plover, 4 Whimbrel and 4 Greenshank.

Banded Demoiselle

1st July 2015 – sunny spells/hot SE1
Notice
It is with great sadness that we learn that Ian Kinley has passed away after a short illness. Ian was a staunch supporter of the observatory for many years and a serving member of the committee. His friendly demeanour will be sorely missed at both a local and county level.
Diurnal migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to be seen. Ghost Moth is newly emerged.
Dragonflies
A male Banded Demoiselle is the latest addition to the island dragonfly list.