31st August 2017 – early rain and thunder clearing to sunny spells
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern were again offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A male Redstart was the pick of the newly grounded birds which also included 12 Wheatear, 8 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Pintail of the autumn was amongst 37 Teal and waders included 4 Greenshank and a Ruff.
Moths
Immigrants included several Rusty Dot Pearl.
Ringing
A disappointing month saw just 45 birds ringed of 15 species – the worst August total in the Observatory’s history. Individual species totals were as follows : House Sparrow 23, Greenfinch 4, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 2, Dunnock 2, Goldfinch 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Woodpigeon 1, Wren 1, Robin 1, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Garden Warbler 1, Goldcrest 1 and Blue Tit 1
Slow going
30th August 2017 – sunny spells W1/2
Offshore
A scan over the sea revealed a feeding flock of 30 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 3 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Whinchat and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants included a Scarce Bordered Straw.
Offshore
A scan over the sea revealed a feeding flock of 30 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 3 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Whinchat and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants included a Scarce Bordered Straw.
Passage recommences
29th August 2017 – sunny spells WNW2/3
Offshore
A quick check of the sea on the evening tide revealed 140 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 22 Pied Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Whinchat, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest and single Sedge Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
Another light passage produced 60 Meadow Pipit, 27 Tree Sparrow, 25 Swallow, 9 Grey Wagtail, 8 Sand Martin, 5 alba Wagtail and 3 Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 240 Goldfinch was logged while 5 Raven, 2 Jay and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best of the rest.
Moths
Immigrants involved 16 Rusty Dot Pearl, 2 Silver Y and 2 Rush Veneer.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea on the evening tide revealed 140 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 22 Pied Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Whinchat, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest and single Sedge Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
Another light passage produced 60 Meadow Pipit, 27 Tree Sparrow, 25 Swallow, 9 Grey Wagtail, 8 Sand Martin, 5 alba Wagtail and 3 Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 240 Goldfinch was logged while 5 Raven, 2 Jay and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best of the rest.
Moths
Immigrants involved 16 Rusty Dot Pearl, 2 Silver Y and 2 Rush Veneer.
Migration stalls!
28th August 2017 – overcast/drizzle at times SSW3/4
Offshore
A quick check of the sea on the evening tide revealed just 210 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet and a Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Only single Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Immigrants involved Rush Veneer and Rusty Dot Pearl while Feathered Gothic was new for the year.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea on the evening tide revealed just 210 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet and a Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Only single Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Immigrants involved Rush Veneer and Rusty Dot Pearl while Feathered Gothic was new for the year.
Migration begins?
27th August 2017 – early drizzle then sunny spells SSE2/3
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed 30 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering included 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail and single Spotted Flycatcher and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage involved 50 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin, 7 Tree Pipit, 6 Grey Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shoveler increased with 7 birds present and waders included 2 Greenshank and single Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was logged.
Moths
Immigrants continue to involved 6 Rusty Dot Pearl, while Frosted Orange was new for the year.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed 30 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering included 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail and single Spotted Flycatcher and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage involved 50 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin, 7 Tree Pipit, 6 Grey Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shoveler increased with 7 birds present and waders included 2 Greenshank and single Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was logged.
Moths
Immigrants continue to involved 6 Rusty Dot Pearl, while Frosted Orange was new for the year.
Ruff newly arrived
26th August 2017 – overcast then sunny SW3
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of newly arrived birds involved 11 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 White Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 42 House Martin were perhaps a post-breeding gathering; however, more obvious migration was provided by 115 Swallow, 29 Tree Sparrow, 20 Grey Wagtail, 15 alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 4 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Ruff was new in while additional waders included 4 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Treecreeper amongst 17 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Jay were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of newly arrived birds involved 11 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 White Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 42 House Martin were perhaps a post-breeding gathering; however, more obvious migration was provided by 115 Swallow, 29 Tree Sparrow, 20 Grey Wagtail, 15 alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 4 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Ruff was new in while additional waders included 4 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Treecreeper amongst 17 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Jay were the best of the rest.
Green Sandpiper remains
25th August 2017 – overcast/showers SW3/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed little more than 18 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater. A flock of 200 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare with just 6 Willow Warbler and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Green Sandpiper remained and other waders included 5 Greenshank, and single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1020 Redshank.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed little more than 18 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater. A flock of 200 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare with just 6 Willow Warbler and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Green Sandpiper remained and other waders included 5 Greenshank, and single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1020 Redshank.
Green Sandpiper new in
24th August 2017 – overcast then sunny spells WSW3
Offshore
A flock of 100 Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded
A few more birds than of late with 22 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff and single Winchat and Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Green Sandpiper was new in and additional sightings included 4 Whimbrel, 3 Shoveler and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 300 Linnet was the best of the rest.
Moths
Immigrants continue to involve Rusty Dot Pearl, Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass while Willow Beauty was new for the year.
Offshore
A flock of 100 Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded
A few more birds than of late with 22 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff and single Winchat and Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Green Sandpiper was new in and additional sightings included 4 Whimbrel, 3 Shoveler and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 300 Linnet was the best of the rest.
Moths
Immigrants continue to involve Rusty Dot Pearl, Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass while Willow Beauty was new for the year.
Early White Wagtail passage
22nd August 2017 – early mist with sunny spells later/humid ESE2/3
Offshore
A flock of 120 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the conditions appearing ideal early morning, apart from a flock of 30 White Wagtail, sightings were limited to 5 Willow Warbler and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A charm of 100 Goldfinch was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A flock of 120 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the conditions appearing ideal early morning, apart from a flock of 30 White Wagtail, sightings were limited to 5 Willow Warbler and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A charm of 100 Goldfinch was the best of the rest.
Light passage again
20th August 2017 – sunny spells SW3/2/1
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided little other than 20 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded migrants were in evidence with 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Light passage was in evidence with 20 Swallow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Whimbrel were amongst 850 Curlew.
Miscellaneous
At least 27 Little Egret were scattered along the eastern shore.
Moths
Immigrants involved 6 Rusty Dot Pearl and a Silver Y. Newly emerged residents involved Svennson’s Copper Underwing – unusually three were trapped overnight, all previous records would appear to involve singles.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided little other than 20 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded migrants were in evidence with 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Light passage was in evidence with 20 Swallow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Whimbrel were amongst 850 Curlew.
Miscellaneous
At least 27 Little Egret were scattered along the eastern shore.
Moths
Immigrants involved 6 Rusty Dot Pearl and a Silver Y. Newly emerged residents involved Svennson’s Copper Underwing – unusually three were trapped overnight, all previous records would appear to involve singles.
Migration remains slow
19th August 2017 – overcast/showers WSW5
Offshore
A check over the sea on the falling tide (1000-1100) produced 336 Sandwich Tern, 85 Common Scoter, 67 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern..
Grounded
Still little evidence of many grounded birds with just 2 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 26 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 950 Redshank and 1100 Dunlin, 220 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 22 Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check over the sea on the falling tide (1000-1100) produced 336 Sandwich Tern, 85 Common Scoter, 67 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern..
Grounded
Still little evidence of many grounded birds with just 2 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 26 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 950 Redshank and 1100 Dunlin, 220 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 22 Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Whinchat on the move
16th August 2017 – bright start rain by evening SSE 3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain arrived produced 200 Sandwich Tern and 12 Gannet.
Grounded
Two Whinchat were amongst small numbers of Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Rhomboid Tortrix was new for the year.
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain arrived produced 200 Sandwich Tern and 12 Gannet.
Grounded
Two Whinchat were amongst small numbers of Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Rhomboid Tortrix was new for the year.
First Merlin of the autumn
14th August 2017 – overcast/rain early and late SSE3/4
Grounded Migrants
Only single Wheatear, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank and 8 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 35 Little Egret are present across the island and the first Merlin of the autumn was recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Only single Wheatear, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank and 8 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 35 Little Egret are present across the island and the first Merlin of the autumn was recorded.
Small fall and light passage
13th August 2017 – bright and sunny V1
Grounded Migrants
The first evidence of a fall this autumn produced 22 Willow Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 9 Sedge Warbler, 4 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear and single Whinchat, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Light passage involved 30 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, 18 Tree Sparrow, 3 Tree Pipit and 2 Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Dragonflies
At least 3 Migrant Hawker are now on the wing.
Grounded Migrants
The first evidence of a fall this autumn produced 22 Willow Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 9 Sedge Warbler, 4 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear and single Whinchat, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Light passage involved 30 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, 18 Tree Sparrow, 3 Tree Pipit and 2 Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Dragonflies
At least 3 Migrant Hawker are now on the wing.
First Goldcrest of the autumn
12th August 2017 – overcast/rain at times W3/4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 47 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Although the first Goldcrest of the autumn was logged passage was otherwise limited to a few Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Yellow-barred Brindle was new for the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 47 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Although the first Goldcrest of the autumn was logged passage was otherwise limited to a few Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Yellow-barred Brindle was new for the year.
Greenshank numbers begin to build
11th August 2017 – overcast/rain at times SW5/6
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1220-1320) produced 76 Common Scoter, 70 Manx Shearwater, 5 Gannet and 3 Little Tern. A flock of 440 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 27 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel were amongst 550 Redshank.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1220-1320) produced 76 Common Scoter, 70 Manx Shearwater, 5 Gannet and 3 Little Tern. A flock of 440 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 27 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel were amongst 550 Redshank.
First Spotted Flycatcher of the autumn
9th August 2017 – sunny spells N2/3
Grounded Migrants
The first Spotted Flycatcher of the autumn was amongst small numbers of Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawker was on the wing.
Grounded Migrants
The first Spotted Flycatcher of the autumn was amongst small numbers of Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawker was on the wing.
Low key migration
6th August 2017 – overcast/rain later SW3/4/5
Offshore
A couple of checks over the sea either side of high tide produced 90 Sandwich Tern, 44 Manx Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 18 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 520 Dunlin, 310 Redshank, 40 Grey Plover, 30 Sanderling, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Kestrels target a mixed flock of finches comprising 330 Linnet, 34 Goldfinch and 18 Greenfinch.
Moths
Immigrants involved 7 Rusty Dot Pearl and 2 Silver Y while newly emerged residents involved Hedge Rustic and Yellow-tail.
Offshore
A couple of checks over the sea either side of high tide produced 90 Sandwich Tern, 44 Manx Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 18 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 520 Dunlin, 310 Redshank, 40 Grey Plover, 30 Sanderling, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Kestrels target a mixed flock of finches comprising 330 Linnet, 34 Goldfinch and 18 Greenfinch.
Moths
Immigrants involved 7 Rusty Dot Pearl and 2 Silver Y while newly emerged residents involved Hedge Rustic and Yellow-tail.
Osprey and Tree Pipit
5th August 2017 – sunny spells NW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 90 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 2 Little Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Willow Warbler and Whitethroat and a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A southbound Tree Pipit was the first of the year while an Osprey also headed south at 1700hrs.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 80 Grey Plover, 6 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 22 Little Egret and a total of 7 Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
Migrants involved a Painted Lady amongst small numbers of Red Admiral. Resident species were led by good numbers of Gatekeeper while lesser numbers of Wall Brown, Meadow Brown, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were also logged.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 90 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 2 Little Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a handful of Willow Warbler and Whitethroat and a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A southbound Tree Pipit was the first of the year while an Osprey also headed south at 1700hrs.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 80 Grey Plover, 6 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 22 Little Egret and a total of 7 Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
Migrants involved a Painted Lady amongst small numbers of Red Admiral. Resident species were led by good numbers of Gatekeeper while lesser numbers of Wall Brown, Meadow Brown, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were also logged.
Little Ringed Plover
4th August 2017 – sun and showers W4
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1220-1320) produced 50 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet and 17 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and additional waders included 7 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank amongst good numbers of Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded x Carrion Crow was logged.
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1220-1320) produced 50 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet and 17 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and additional waders included 7 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank amongst good numbers of Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded x Carrion Crow was logged.
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