31st May 2018 – early mist/drizzle, brighter later V1
Offshore
A quick check of the sea in the evening revealed 120 Sandwich Tern, 100 Manx Shearwater, 19 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake and 3 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A late Cuckoo and 2 Spotted Flycatcher were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Shoveler.
Ringing
Spring basically fizzled out after the first few days of the month which saw 130 birds of 19 species handled. Individual totals were as follows (retraps/controls in brackets) Goldfinch 17 (4), Willow Warbler 17, Linnet 14 (3), Lesser Redpoll 13, House Sparrow 8 (4), Blackcap 7 (2), Chiffchaff 5, Whitethroat 5, Starling 5, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Sedge Warbler 3, Chaffinch 2, Dunnock 2 (2), Greenfinch 1 (5), Redstart 1 (1), Blackbird 1 (1), Garden Warbler 1, Swallow 1, Woodpigeon 1.
[360/27], [132/13]
Moths
Immigrants were limited to a single Silver Y.
Black Tern
29th May 2018 – bright and sunny NE4/5
Rarities
A Black Tern was over the pools at the north end of the island.
Offshore
After several days absence Puffins were back on the menu with 2 birds logged (0600-0800). Also seen were 405 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 27 Guillemot, 23 Arctic Tern, 21 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 4 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Little Tern and a Fulmar
Grounded Migrants
Again a few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher the best sightings.
Diurnal Migration
A further trickle of Swift, Swallow and House Martin was noted.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling, 100 Knot and 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
The first crèche of Eiderlings have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Red Admiral of the spring was seen and the best overnight attraction of the year so far saw 129 moths of 28 species logged. Scalloped Hazel and Green Carpet were the pick of the batch.
Rarities
A Black Tern was over the pools at the north end of the island.
Offshore
After several days absence Puffins were back on the menu with 2 birds logged (0600-0800). Also seen were 405 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 27 Guillemot, 23 Arctic Tern, 21 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 4 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Little Tern and a Fulmar
Grounded Migrants
Again a few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher the best sightings.
Diurnal Migration
A further trickle of Swift, Swallow and House Martin was noted.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling, 100 Knot and 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
The first crèche of Eiderlings have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Red Admiral of the spring was seen and the best overnight attraction of the year so far saw 129 moths of 28 species logged. Scalloped Hazel and Green Carpet were the pick of the batch.
Black Guillemot
28th May 2018 – bright and sunny NE4/3
Offshore
A Black Guillemot was the pick of the morning sightings (0715-08445) which also included 320 Common Scoter, 300 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 10 Arctic Tern, 7 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Tern, 2 Fulmar and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Again a few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll was amongst a further trickle of Swift, Swallow and House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Gadwall was seen and waders included 400 Sanderling, 300 Knot, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Grey Plover and 2 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants involved the first Diamond-back Moth of the year.
Offshore
A Black Guillemot was the pick of the morning sightings (0715-08445) which also included 320 Common Scoter, 300 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 10 Arctic Tern, 7 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Tern, 2 Fulmar and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Again a few birds were in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll was amongst a further trickle of Swift, Swallow and House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Gadwall was seen and waders included 400 Sanderling, 300 Knot, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Grey Plover and 2 Whimbrel.
Moths
Immigrants involved the first Diamond-back Moth of the year.
More of the same!
27th May 2018 – sunny spells NE4/5
Offshore
Another early morning check of the sea (0645-0845)despite the apparently unsuitable conditions revealed 465 Sandwich Tern, 68 Gannet, 23 Arctic Tern, 17 Little Tern, 16 Guillemot, 11 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Skua and single Red-throated Diver and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A few tardy migrants were again logged including Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin continue to arrive.
Wildfowl and Waders
A dark-bellied Brent Goose was logged and passage waders included 600 Sanderling, 100 Dunlin and 27 Turnstone.
Moths
Common Swift, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Large Yellow Underwing were new for the year.
Offshore
Another early morning check of the sea (0645-0845)despite the apparently unsuitable conditions revealed 465 Sandwich Tern, 68 Gannet, 23 Arctic Tern, 17 Little Tern, 16 Guillemot, 11 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Skua and single Red-throated Diver and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A few tardy migrants were again logged including Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin continue to arrive.
Wildfowl and Waders
A dark-bellied Brent Goose was logged and passage waders included 600 Sanderling, 100 Dunlin and 27 Turnstone.
Moths
Common Swift, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Large Yellow Underwing were new for the year.
More Puffins!
26th May 2018 – sunny spells NE4/5
Offshore
The remarkable recent run of Puffin sightings continues with 4 birds seen in early morning observations (0630-0800). Additional sightings included 385 Sandwich Tern, 78 Gannet, 74 Guillemot, 11 Arctic Tern, 9 Razorbill, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A few tardy migrants were logged including 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Passage waders included 500 Sanderling, 35 Turnstone and 24 Ringed Plover.
Butterflies and Moths
A Holly Blue consolidated the recent colonization of the island. Day-flying moths included Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion.
Offshore
The remarkable recent run of Puffin sightings continues with 4 birds seen in early morning observations (0630-0800). Additional sightings included 385 Sandwich Tern, 78 Gannet, 74 Guillemot, 11 Arctic Tern, 9 Razorbill, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A few tardy migrants were logged including 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Passage waders included 500 Sanderling, 35 Turnstone and 24 Ringed Plover.
Butterflies and Moths
A Holly Blue consolidated the recent colonization of the island. Day-flying moths included Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion.
Arctic Skuas and Puffin
25th May 2018 – overcast/rain later NE4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (1230-1430) prior to the rain setting in produced 370 Sandwich Tern, 38 Manx Shearwater, 27 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow, House Martin and Swift continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The A few Little Egret continue to linger.
Offshore
A check of the sea (1230-1430) prior to the rain setting in produced 370 Sandwich Tern, 38 Manx Shearwater, 27 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow, House Martin and Swift continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The A few Little Egret continue to linger.
End of season feel to sightings continues
21st May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed that at least 1000 Common Scoter remain in the mouth of the Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 280 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater and 5 Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Four House Martin were amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Mammals
The Bottle-nosed Dolphin was again offshore.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed that at least 1000 Common Scoter remain in the mouth of the Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 280 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater and 5 Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Four House Martin were amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Mammals
The Bottle-nosed Dolphin was again offshore.
Another Puffin!
20th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0630-0830) were led by another Puffin. Also seen were 500 Sandwich Tern, 55 Guillemot, 29 Gannet, 24 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 2 Fulmar and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Spotted Flycatcher dropped in.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Mammals
A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Moths
At last the moth trap has sprung into action with 110 moths of 20 species logged. Brown Silver-line dominated although Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass became the first immigrants recorded.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0630-0830) were led by another Puffin. Also seen were 500 Sandwich Tern, 55 Guillemot, 29 Gannet, 24 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 2 Fulmar and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Spotted Flycatcher dropped in.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Mammals
A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Moths
At last the moth trap has sprung into action with 110 moths of 20 species logged. Brown Silver-line dominated although Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass became the first immigrants recorded.
Puffins galore!
19th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Early morning observations over calm seas (0600-0800) before the heat haze were led by an exceptional group of 7 Puffin. Additional sightings included: 660 Sandwich Tern, 68 Guillemot, 31 Gannet, 28 Razorbill, 21 Manx Shearwater, 10 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Ringing
A flock of 110 Knot held a colour-ringed bird.
Offshore
Early morning observations over calm seas (0600-0800) before the heat haze were led by an exceptional group of 7 Puffin. Additional sightings included: 660 Sandwich Tern, 68 Guillemot, 31 Gannet, 28 Razorbill, 21 Manx Shearwater, 10 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Ringing
A flock of 110 Knot held a colour-ringed bird.
Hooded Crow
18th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
A check of the sea at high tide revealed the continued presence of the large flock of Common Scoter was still in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 18 Sandwich Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through..
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3036 Dunlin, 2040 Sanderling, 566 Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow reappeared and several Little Egret remain.
Ringing
The colour-ringed Sanderlings seen recently had previously been recorded in Ghana, Gambia, Portugal, France, England and Iceland.
Offshore
A check of the sea at high tide revealed the continued presence of the large flock of Common Scoter was still in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 18 Sandwich Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through..
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3036 Dunlin, 2040 Sanderling, 566 Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow reappeared and several Little Egret remain.
Ringing
The colour-ringed Sanderlings seen recently had previously been recorded in Ghana, Gambia, Portugal, France, England and Iceland.
Curlew Sandpiper
14th May 2018 – cloudy start then sunny V1
Offshore
A check of the sea provided 500 Sandwich Tern, 39 Manx Shearwater, 36 Guillemot, 33 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Little Tern and single Fulmar and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 16 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll were among a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
Ringing
Today’s colour-ringed birds involved 4 Sanderling and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Offshore
A check of the sea provided 500 Sandwich Tern, 39 Manx Shearwater, 36 Guillemot, 33 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Little Tern and single Fulmar and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 16 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll were among a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Sanderling, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
Ringing
Today’s colour-ringed birds involved 4 Sanderling and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Common Tern new for year
13th May 2018 – bright and sunny SW2
Offshore
The huge flock of Common Scoter continues to reside in the mouth of Morecambe Bay while observations (0645-0815) added 300 Sandwich Tern, 136 Manx Shearwater, 68 Guillemot, 60 Gannet, 15 Razorbill, 7 Little Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Tern and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions again were not conducive to a fall and just 25 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Whinchat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 Swallow was the largest movement recorded so far this spring while 3 Tree Sparrow and a Lesser Redpoll were also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Sanderling and 19 Whimbrel.
Ringing
The Sanderling flock held several colour-ringed individuals.
Offshore
The huge flock of Common Scoter continues to reside in the mouth of Morecambe Bay while observations (0645-0815) added 300 Sandwich Tern, 136 Manx Shearwater, 68 Guillemot, 60 Gannet, 15 Razorbill, 7 Little Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Tern and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions again were not conducive to a fall and just 25 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Whinchat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 Swallow was the largest movement recorded so far this spring while 3 Tree Sparrow and a Lesser Redpoll were also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Sanderling and 19 Whimbrel.
Ringing
The Sanderling flock held several colour-ringed individuals.
Hooded Crow
12th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) was dominated by 4000 Common Scoter, also seen were 70 Sandwich Tern, 48 Manx Shearwater, 27 Guillemot, 24 Gannet, 11 Little Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions were not conducive to a fall and just 17 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whinchat and Blackcap were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two House Martin were amongst a further trickle of Swallow and 4 Lesser Redpoll moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was perhaps the bird seen previously.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) was dominated by 4000 Common Scoter, also seen were 70 Sandwich Tern, 48 Manx Shearwater, 27 Guillemot, 24 Gannet, 11 Little Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions were not conducive to a fall and just 17 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whinchat and Blackcap were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two House Martin were amongst a further trickle of Swallow and 4 Lesser Redpoll moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was perhaps the bird seen previously.
Another Yellow Wagtail
8th May 2018 – sunny spells/rain later SW1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 2000 Common Scoter along with 200 Sandwich Tern, 170 Manx Shearwater, 70 Guillemot, 21 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 8 Razorbill, 4 Little Tern and 5 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Although the third Yellow Wagtail of the spring was logged additional sightings were limited to 19 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin, 110 Sanderling and 36 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Ring-necked Parakeets remain.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 2000 Common Scoter along with 200 Sandwich Tern, 170 Manx Shearwater, 70 Guillemot, 21 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 8 Razorbill, 4 Little Tern and 5 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Although the third Yellow Wagtail of the spring was logged additional sightings were limited to 19 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin, 110 Sanderling and 36 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Ring-necked Parakeets remain.
First Swift of the year
7th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0645-0745) produced 190 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 14 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 40 Wheatear were logged along with 3 Blackcap and single Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift amongst a trickle of Swallow was the first of the year. Also logged were 15 Jackdaw, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 53 Whimbrel and 6 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
There are now 2 Ring-necked Parakeets touring the island.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0645-0745) produced 190 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 14 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 40 Wheatear were logged along with 3 Blackcap and single Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift amongst a trickle of Swallow was the first of the year. Also logged were 15 Jackdaw, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 53 Whimbrel and 6 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
There are now 2 Ring-necked Parakeets touring the island.
Corn Bunting provides early morning shock
6th May 2018 – bright and sunny V1
Rarities
Thought to be long extinct as a breeding bird in Cumbria an early morning Corn Bunting was a complete surprise.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 173 Sandwich Tern, 8 Guillemot, 4 Little Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Tern and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was the first of the year, also seen were 32 Wheatear, 6 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Sparrow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 56 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Rarities
Thought to be long extinct as a breeding bird in Cumbria an early morning Corn Bunting was a complete surprise.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 173 Sandwich Tern, 8 Guillemot, 4 Little Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Tern and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was the first of the year, also seen were 32 Wheatear, 6 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Sparrow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 56 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Spring is finally sprung
5th May 2018 – early fog/mist then sunny spells V1
Grounded Migrants
The best fall of the spring so far with 103 Wheatear, 24 Willow Warbler, 19 Whinchat, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wood Warbler, 2 Redstart, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 31 Lesser Redpoll, 6 House Martin, 2 Buzzard and single Tree Pipit and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 66 Whimbrel and 6 Golden Plover.
Breeding Birds
Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler are now widely distributed in breeding habitat across the island.
Grounded Migrants
The best fall of the spring so far with 103 Wheatear, 24 Willow Warbler, 19 Whinchat, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wood Warbler, 2 Redstart, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 31 Lesser Redpoll, 6 House Martin, 2 Buzzard and single Tree Pipit and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 66 Whimbrel and 6 Golden Plover.
Breeding Birds
Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler are now widely distributed in breeding habitat across the island.
Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail
4th May 2018 – early drizzle then sunny V1
Offshore
The sea provided 111 Sandwich Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions saw a few more birds in evidence with 56 Wheatear, 20 Willow Warbler, 5 Whinchat, 4 Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 46 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Ring-necked Parakeet continues to tour the island.
Ringing
It has been a good spring for controls (birds ringed elsewhere) with Redstart and Linnet added today.
Breeding Birds
An increase in Sedge Warblers was evident at breeding localities.
Offshore
The sea provided 111 Sandwich Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The early morning conditions saw a few more birds in evidence with 56 Wheatear, 20 Willow Warbler, 5 Whinchat, 4 Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 46 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Ring-necked Parakeet continues to tour the island.
Ringing
It has been a good spring for controls (birds ringed elsewhere) with Redstart and Linnet added today.
Breeding Birds
An increase in Sedge Warblers was evident at breeding localities.
Seabirds
3rd May 2018 – sunny start/showers later SSW2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (1525-1625) continued to produce variety rather than quantity with 58 Common Scoter, 36 Sandwich Tern, 16 Guillemot, 13 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Manx Shearwater, 4 Little Tern, 4 Kittiwake and single Great Skua and Fulmar amongst the species logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (1525-1625) continued to produce variety rather than quantity with 58 Common Scoter, 36 Sandwich Tern, 16 Guillemot, 13 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Manx Shearwater, 4 Little Tern, 4 Kittiwake and single Great Skua and Fulmar amongst the species logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
When the north wind blows!
30th April 2018 – sunny spells N2/3
Grounded Migrants
Little on offer in the nagging northerly breeze with just 35 Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler logged.
Ringing
Although the best month of the year so far still only low numbers to show for a lot of effort with a total of 184 birds of 18 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets), Goldfinch 66 (14), Willow Warbler 15, Linnet 11 (3), Chaffinch 10 (2), Blackcap 10, Goldcrest 9, Reed Bunting 5 (1), Starling 4 (1), Lesser Redpoll 4, Chiffchaff 3, Greenfinch 2 (7), House Sparrow 2 (3), Wren 2, Blackbird 1 (1), Woodpigeon 1, Redstart 1, Siskin 1 and Dunnock (5). [252/22], [112/12]
Grounded Migrants
Little on offer in the nagging northerly breeze with just 35 Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler logged.
Ringing
Although the best month of the year so far still only low numbers to show for a lot of effort with a total of 184 birds of 18 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets), Goldfinch 66 (14), Willow Warbler 15, Linnet 11 (3), Chaffinch 10 (2), Blackcap 10, Goldcrest 9, Reed Bunting 5 (1), Starling 4 (1), Lesser Redpoll 4, Chiffchaff 3, Greenfinch 2 (7), House Sparrow 2 (3), Wren 2, Blackbird 1 (1), Woodpigeon 1, Redstart 1, Siskin 1 and Dunnock (5). [252/22], [112/12]
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