30th July 2017 – sunny spells SW4
Offshore
An evening check of the sea on the rising tide (1630-1730) produced just 38 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet and 4 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Reed Warbler was amongst the continued trickle of Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
It would appear a poor year for Shelduck with no ducklings recorded for perhaps the first time in the observatory’s history.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Ringing
Post-breeding dispersal and early southbound movement saw a total of 107 birds of 17 species handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). House Sparrow 39, (1), Goldfinch 12, Dunnock 8, (1), Greenfinch 7, (3), Starling 6, Willow Warbler 6, Sedge Warbler 5, (1), Chaffinch 4, Robin 3, Song Thrush 2, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 2, Treecreeper 1, Blackbird 1, Reed Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Swallow 1
