10th September 2017 – overcast with heavy showers SSW3/4/5 gusting to 8
Offshore
The switch of the wind from the NW brought the sea to life. Early observations in light winds (0800-0900) produced a juvenile Pomarine Skua along with 100 Common Scoter, 52 Gannet, 18 Kittiwake, 13 Sandwich Tern, 10 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Manx Shearwater. A second watch over the tide (1400-1700) as the wind strengthened and the showers intensified proved even more productive with a Wilson’s Petrel (1510hrs) amongst 6 Leach’s Petrel (1450-1645hrs) and 2 adult intermediate phase Pomarine Skua. Also seen were 315 Kittiwake, 100 Gannet, 26 Common Scoter, 23 Manx Shearwater, 8 Fulmar, 7 Red-throated Diver and 3 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 14 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move prior to the weather deteriorating including 130 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow and 17 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Finches included a flock of 210 Goldfinch while 2 Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
