Water Rail provides highlight

30th September 2015 – bright and sunny ENE2
Offshore
A few Gannet and Common Scoter were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Again conditions deemed that grounded migrants were at a premium with just 6 Goldcrest, 4 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Coal Tit logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies again produced the main rewards with passage remaining strong, totals through the morning included 5130 Meadow Pipit, 1255 Pink-footed Goose, 855 Swallow, 840 Pied/White Wagtail, 630 Skylark, 450 Linnet, 48 Chaffinch, 42 Siskin, 38 House Martin, 14 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Golden Plover, 12 Jackdaw, 11 Tree Sparrow, 9 Grey Wagtail, 7 Carrion Crow, 4 Reed Bunting and 4 Goldfinch.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail – first of the autumn and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral.
Ringing
Another poor month produced just 131 birds of 21 species. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Meadow Pipit 23, Goldcrest 15, House Sparrow 12 (1), Robin 12 (1), Chiffchaff 11, Blue Tit 10, Goldfinch 8 (8), Willow Warbler 6, Wren 5, Blackbird 3, Lesser Redpoll 3, Dunnock 2, Great Tit 2, Sparrowhawk 1 (1), Long-eared Owl 1, Swallow 1, Stonechat 1, Blackcap 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Tree Sparrow 1 and Chaffinch 1.

First Brent Geese are back in residence

29th September 2015 – bright and sunny E2/3
Offshore
Only small numbers of Gannet were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again conditions remained unsuitable for grounded migrants and with just 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap seen.
Diurnal Migration
Passage remains strong, totals through the morning included 2500 Meadow Pipit, 570 Linnet, 300 Pied/White Wagtail, 150 Swallow, 65 Skylark, 45 Chaffinch, 43 Pink-footed Goose, 25 Jackdaw, 10 Carrion Crow, 9 Siskin, 6 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first of the wintering flock of Brent Geese are now back in residence with 10 pale-bellied and 3 dark-bellied birds recorded. Waders included 23 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 5 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin and a Kestrel while 2 Raven and a Jay were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral.

Further strong diurnal migration

28th September 2015 – bright and sunny E2/3
Offshore
A few bits and pieces over the sea with 34 Common Scoter, 27 Razorbill, 8 Gannet, 2 Pintail and a Red-throated Diver logged.
Grounded Migrants
Conditions remain unsuitable for grounded migrants and consequently just 8 Goldcrest and single Wheatear, Blackcap and Chiffchaff were recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Yet another day providing strong passage through the morning with 2330 Meadow Pipit, 2020 Pink-footed Goose, 420 Linnet, 210 Pied/White Wagtail, 118 Swallow, 35 Skylark, 21 Tree Sparrow, 13 Goldfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Grey Wagtail, 7 Siskin and 4 Reed Bunting logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 22 Greenshank amongst 820 Redshank and 210 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were logged.
Butterflies
Red Admirals were on the move.

First Whooper Swan of the autumn

27th September 2015 – bright and sunny E1/2
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with just 20 Razorbill and 3 Red-throated Diver logged.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining thin on the ground with just 5 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff amongst a sprinkling of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
Another heavy movement of Pink-footed Geese saw 5115 birds logged through the morning. Also seen were 1550 Meadow Pipit, 480 Linnet, 225 Swallow, 170 Skylark, 85 Pied/White Wagtail, 30 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, 10 Grey Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 8 House Martin, 7 Sand Martin, 3 Coal Tit and a single Whooper Swan logged..
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Shoveler and Pintail were amongst increasing numbers of Wigeon while waders included 15 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were all logged while 4 Jay were unusual. Little Egrets remain prominent across the island.
Moths
Red-line Quaker was new for the year.

Massive Pink-footed Goose movement

26th September 2015 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Only small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Gannet were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants remain in short supply with just 6 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff amongst 24 Robin.
Diurnal Migration
The largest movement of the autumn produced a massive southbound passage of Pink-footed Geese with 6130 birds logged through the morning. Also seen were 1350 Meadow Pipit, 225 Linnet, 160 Starling, 80 Skylark, 60 Swallow, 42 Pied/White Wagtail, 32 Chaffinch, 30 Tree Sparrow, 30 Goldfinch, 18 Lesser Redpoll, 14 Grey Wagtail, 12 Greenfinch, 7 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Jackdaw and a Buzzard.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was logged and Little Egret remain prominent amongst the saltmarshes along the eastern shore.
Butterflies
A few Red Admiral were seen.

Evening seawatch

23rd September 2015 – overcast SW3/4
Offshore
The only observations today were on the evening tide (1545-1645) – not the best time to be checking the sea. However, 8 Red-throated Diver were logged amongst small numbers of Common Scoter, Guillemot, Gannet, Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern.

Buzzard annoys the evening Oystercatcher roost

22nd September 2015 – sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern continue to remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall of Wheatear produced 26 birds along with 7 Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard headed north early evening, pursued by the local Oystercatcher population .
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Greenshank were the best on offer.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was a welcome sign of what is a declining species on the island.
Moths
A Pale Pinion was an unusual visitant to the light trap.
Dragonflies
At least 6 Migrant Hawker were seen.

Curlew Sandpiper but little else

21st September 2015 – rain then sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern continue to remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Only single Wheatear and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains.
Moths
Late news concerns the sighting of Oak Eggar and Bedstraw Hawkmoth on the island.

Curlew Sandpiper still in residence

20th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW2
Offshore
Only small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Even the usual suspects were in short supply with just 33 Robin, 5 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Low key movement involved 100 Meadow Pipit, 15 Swallow, 15 Pied/White Wagtail, 3 Siskin and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The long-staying Curlew Sandpiper remains in residence along with 10 Greenshank.
Moths
Lunar Underwing was newly emerged and a Migrant Hawker was in the moth trap.

Curlew Sandpiper remains

19th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW2
Offshore
Only small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Again more of the usual suspects with 37 Robin, 9 Goldcrest, 6 Blue Tit, 4 Chiffchaff and 2 Coal Tit logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was in evidence with 320 Meadow Pipit, 55 Linnet, 40 Skylark, 23 Swallow, 19 Siskin, 10 Pied/White Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch and 3 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included the long-staying Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 2 Peregrine and a Merlin.

Marsh Harrier reappears

18th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW2
Grounded Migrants
Again a scattering of the usual suspects with 17 Robin, 11 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Whinchat logged.
Diurnal Migration
The tailend of the day’s visible migration produced 10 Pink-footed Geese – the first of the autumn, along with 3 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
The second-year male Marsh Harrier put in a reappearance and a pair of Raven were the best of the rest.

Variety rather than quantity

17th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern continue to remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Variety rather than quantity was the order of the day with 11 Robin, 8 Wheatear, 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest and single White Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Whinchat, Redstart, Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
A single Sand Martin was amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains amongst 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.

Routine sightings continue

16th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of grounded migrants were again seen with 16 Robin, 10 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, 4 Wheatear and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains amongst 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 2 Raven and 2 Peregrine.
Butterflies
Red Admiral appeared to be on the move with 15 logged.

More bits and pieces

15th September 2015 – bright and sunny NNW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Another scattering of overnight migrants produced 21 Wheatear, 9 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and a Pied Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains and 11 Greenshank were recorded.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent.
Moths
A few Silver Y were evident.

Bits and Pieces

14th September 2015 – overcast NE2
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Still awaiting the first major movement of the autumn, another bits and pieces day produced: 17 Robin, 7 Wheatear, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and single Redstart, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 210 Swallow and 50 Meadow Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Curlew Sandpiper remains.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Little Egret remain prominent.

Curlew Sandpiper remains

13th September 2015 – bright and sunny after early cloud SE5/4/3/2
Offshore
Only 20 Common Scoter, 11 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet and 3 Kittiwake were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Although 18 White Wagtail and 18 Robin were logged additional sightings were limited to 6 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and single Yellow Wagtail, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Further light passage produced 64 Swallow, 32 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied/Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 3 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The redhead Goosander remains in residence and waders included 1525 Redshank, 795 Turnstone, 22 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 23 Little Egret were seen and additional sightings included 2 Raven and a Merlin.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrants involved Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Silver Y.

Curlew Sandpiper

12th September 2015 – early rain SE5, overcast later SW4
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide after the rain cleared (1330-1530) produced 120 Common Scoter, 36 Gannet, 22 Sandwich Tern, 5 Fulmar, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Skua, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with 10 Robin, 10 White Wagtail and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow moved through once the rain cleared.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remained and waders included 18 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 42 Little Egret remain and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Garganey reappears

11th September 2015 – bright and sunny SE5
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern remain offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Still little evidence on newly grounded birds with just a single White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was amongst 100 Teal – perhaps the bird seen earlier in the autumn.

Marsh Harrier

10th September 2015 – bright and sunny SE2/3
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern remain.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 White Wagtail and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of hirundines were on the move with 30 Swallow, 2 House Martin and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal and Wigeon numbers continue to increase daily and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
An immature male Marsh Harrier (2nd year) showed at close range in the evening as it hunted the island. Also seen were 13 Little Egret and a Peregrine.
Butterflies
A small influx of Red Admiral was apparent.

Black Tern

9th September 2015 – overcast ESE2/3
Offshore
An evening check over the sea was highlighted by a juvenile Black Tern lingering to feed close offshore. Also seen were 14 Sandwich Tern, 10 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, 2 Razorbill and a Shag
Grounded Migrants
More low key movement produced 7 Robin, 2 Blackcap and single Spotted Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Just 10 Swallow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Teal numbers continue to build slowly and a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 11 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Short-eared Owl

8th September 2015 – bright and sunny SE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Again there was evidence of small-scale movement with 19 Robin, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and single Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Another light passage produced 40 Swallow, 28 Meadow Pipit and 3 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The redhead Goosander put in another appearance and 9 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl hunted the island through the morning and additional sightings included at least 13 Little Egret and 2 Merlin.
Moths
The light trap again produced Canary-shouldered Thorn amongst a small catch.

Osprey flies through

7th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW2 later
Offshore
A Gannet was all that could be mustered on the rising evening tide.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of overnight migrants produced 23 Robin, 6 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 6 Wheatear and single Blackcap, Goldcrest, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew through and a light passage produced 80 Swallow, 17 Pied/White Wagtail, 2 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Shoveler and 6 Greenshank were the best on offer.
Miscellaneous
At least one Long-eared Owl remained and additional sightings included Peregrine and 13 Little Egret.
Moths
Canary-shouldered Thorn was new for the year.

Light passage continues

6th September 2015 – bright and sunny NE1/2, NW3/4 later
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern and Gannet was all that could be mustered.
Grounded Migrants
Another light sprinkling produced 13 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and single Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Again a light passage produced 120 Swallow, 50 Pied/White Wagtail, 35 Meadow Pipit, 26 Linnet, 22 Siskin, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
A couple of Jay were unusual while Little Egret remain prominent with groups scattered along the eastern shore.

First Chiffchaff of the autumn

5th September 2015 – bright and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
A total of 100 Common Scoter were logged along with small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Another small fall produced 18 Robin, 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Whinchat, Wheatear, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Small scale movement involved 75 Pied/White Wagtail, 45 Meadow Pipit, 17 Swallow, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Siskin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
A total of 48 Little Egret congregated along the eastern shore. The 3 Long-eared Owl remained and a Barn Owl was logged.
Moths
A Feathered Gothic was new for the year.

More Long-eared Owls

4th September 2015 – bright and sunny NW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of passerines included 12 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was noted with 30 Meadow Pipit, 20 Pied/White Wagtail, 10 Swallow and a Tree Pipit logged .
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 410 Turnstone, 23 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and single Ruff and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Three Long-eared Owls were present in an area with no general access and additional sightings included 3 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk and at least 12 Little Egret.

Another quiet day

3rd September 2015 – bright and sunny NW3, overcast later
Offshore
The first Shag of the autumn was offshore along with small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
No warblers were on offer with just 8 Wheatear and 4 Robin logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 55 Swallow were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Turnstone, 9 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret and 2 Merlin were recorded.

Wood Sandpiper remains

2nd September 2015 – overcast/ calm, sunny spells WNW3/4 later
Grounded Migrants
Little on offer with just a single Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was amongst a light Swallow passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greensnak, 2 Whimbrel and the lingering Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Little Egret were seen.

Long-eared Owl

1st September 2015 – overcast/ calm, sunny spells NW3 later
Offshore
Only a few Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Long-eared Owl was the highlight amongst 14 Wheatear, 9 Robin, 4 White Wagtail and single Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Another light passage was noted with 20 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was the pick of the wildfowl while waders included 20 Greenshank and single Wood Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret were seen.