31st July 2018 – overcast SSW3/4
Ringing
A reasonable month with post-breeding dispersal producing 121 birds of 13 species. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): House Sparrow 63 (2), Goldfinch 14, Starling 8 (4), Blackbird 6 (3), Chaffinch 5, Dunnock 4, Greenfinch 4, Willow Warbler 2, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1, Coal Tit 1 (1), Meadow Pipit 1, Reed Bunting 1.
571/ 29, 153/15, 7/5
First Merlin returns
30th July 2018 – heavy showers SSE3/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 188 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet, 13 Manx Shearwater and 13 Sandwich Tern .
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders 500 Knot, 8 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Scarce Silver Y would appear to be the first island record.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 188 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet, 13 Manx Shearwater and 13 Sandwich Tern .
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders 500 Knot, 8 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Scarce Silver Y would appear to be the first island record.
Balearic Shearwater
28th July 2018 – overcast/rain at times S4/5
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide were led by a Balearic Shearwater amongst 71 Manx Shearwater. Also seen were 249 Common Scoter, 126 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and single Fulmar, Arctic Skua and Scaup.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 18 Swift flew through ahead on a rain front.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 320 Knot, 71 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Hobby annoyed the local Swallows, the tide flushed a Short-eared Owl from the saltmarsh and at least 10 Little Egret were logged.
Ringing
The Knot flock held 6 colour-ringed birds.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide were led by a Balearic Shearwater amongst 71 Manx Shearwater. Also seen were 249 Common Scoter, 126 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and single Fulmar, Arctic Skua and Scaup.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 18 Swift flew through ahead on a rain front.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 320 Knot, 71 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Hobby annoyed the local Swallows, the tide flushed a Short-eared Owl from the saltmarsh and at least 10 Little Egret were logged.
Ringing
The Knot flock held 6 colour-ringed birds.
Early wader build up
23rd July 2018 – overcast/drizzle at times SW1/2
Offshore
The sea provided 425 Manx Shearwater, 137 Common Scoter, 128 Sandwich Tern, 57 Gannet, 11 Little Tern and 7 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo remains and 3 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler were seen.
Diurnal Migration
The best so far this autumn with 50 Swallow, 2 Swift and single House Martin and Sand Martin al suggestive of southbound movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Redshank, 125 Dunlin, 100 Knot, 61 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Sanderling, 25 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The gull colony is now deserted following the total breeding failure.
Moths
Moths included Yellow-barred Brindle, Small Dusty Wave and Hoary Plume.
Offshore
The sea provided 425 Manx Shearwater, 137 Common Scoter, 128 Sandwich Tern, 57 Gannet, 11 Little Tern and 7 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo remains and 3 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler were seen.
Diurnal Migration
The best so far this autumn with 50 Swallow, 2 Swift and single House Martin and Sand Martin al suggestive of southbound movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Redshank, 125 Dunlin, 100 Knot, 61 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Sanderling, 25 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The gull colony is now deserted following the total breeding failure.
Moths
Moths included Yellow-barred Brindle, Small Dusty Wave and Hoary Plume.
Black Guillemot
22nd July 2018 – overcast SW1/2
Offshore
Morning observations were led by a Black Guillemot along with 133 Common Scoter, 118 Sandwich Tern, 30 Gannet, 18 Manx Shearwater, 16 Little Trn, 4 Arctic Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers are beginning to trickle south with 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Whitethroat logged. An early Tree Sparrow was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift were again seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Treecreeper was most likely the result of post-breeding dispersal.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst 10 Red Admiral.
Offshore
Morning observations were led by a Black Guillemot along with 133 Common Scoter, 118 Sandwich Tern, 30 Gannet, 18 Manx Shearwater, 16 Little Trn, 4 Arctic Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers are beginning to trickle south with 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Whitethroat logged. An early Tree Sparrow was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift were again seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Treecreeper was most likely the result of post-breeding dispersal.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst 10 Red Admiral.
Cuckoo brace
21st July 2018 – overcast/drizzle at times V1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 242 Common Scoter, 16 Sandwich Tern, 15 Manx Shearwater, 12 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler are beginning to head south and 2 Cuckoo were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift were again seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Greenshank and 5 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Dingy Footman proved to be the largest attraction to the moth trap overnight which also included a Gold Spot.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 242 Common Scoter, 16 Sandwich Tern, 15 Manx Shearwater, 12 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler are beginning to head south and 2 Cuckoo were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift were again seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Greenshank and 5 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Dingy Footman proved to be the largest attraction to the moth trap overnight which also included a Gold Spot.
Returning Common Scoters head south
16th July 2018 – overcast/showers WNW1/2
Offshore
The sea provided 560 Common Scoter, 265 Manx Shearwater, 70 Sandwich Tern, 31 Gannet, 7 Black-headed Gull and a Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap provided the first obvious evidence of return migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 85 Knot, 62 Dunlin, 52 Golden Plover, 41 Grey Plover, 12 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 4 Whimbrel and single a single Snipe.
Ringing
The Knot flock included at least 3 colour-ringed birds previously ringed at Altcar on the Dee Estuary.
Moths
A further influx of Silver Y was evident while The Olive was new for the year.
Offshore
The sea provided 560 Common Scoter, 265 Manx Shearwater, 70 Sandwich Tern, 31 Gannet, 7 Black-headed Gull and a Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap provided the first obvious evidence of return migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 85 Knot, 62 Dunlin, 52 Golden Plover, 41 Grey Plover, 12 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 4 Whimbrel and single a single Snipe.
Ringing
The Knot flock included at least 3 colour-ringed birds previously ringed at Altcar on the Dee Estuary.
Moths
A further influx of Silver Y was evident while The Olive was new for the year.
Another Mediterranean Gull
15th July 2018 – hot and sunny S1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) were led by another Mediterranean Gull amongst 6 Black-headed Gulls along with 27 Common Scoter, 22 Manx Shearwater, 18 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet and 3 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 33 Golden Plover, 28 Grey Plover, 19 Whimbrel and 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Coal Tit was further evidence of post-breeding dispersal.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was logged along with a small influx of SilverY.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) were led by another Mediterranean Gull amongst 6 Black-headed Gulls along with 27 Common Scoter, 22 Manx Shearwater, 18 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet and 3 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 33 Golden Plover, 28 Grey Plover, 19 Whimbrel and 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Coal Tit was further evidence of post-breeding dispersal.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was logged along with a small influx of SilverY.
Mediterranean Gulls
14th July 2018 – hot and sunny V1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) were led by 2 Mediterranean Gulls amongst 12 Black-headed Gulls along with 88 Manx Shearwater, 54 Common Scoter, 35 Sandwich Tern, 27 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were again logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2264 Curlew, 800 Knot, 88 Dunlin, 46 Grey Plover, 32 Golden Plover, 18 Turnstone and 11 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was evidence of post-breeding dispersal and 10 Little Egret were seen.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) were led by 2 Mediterranean Gulls amongst 12 Black-headed Gulls along with 88 Manx Shearwater, 54 Common Scoter, 35 Sandwich Tern, 27 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were again logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2264 Curlew, 800 Knot, 88 Dunlin, 46 Grey Plover, 32 Golden Plover, 18 Turnstone and 11 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was evidence of post-breeding dispersal and 10 Little Egret were seen.
Early autumn waders continue to build
13th July 2018 – early rain then sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea at high tide revealed just 22 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and 4 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Evidence of passage was provided by 6 Swift, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 120 Dunlin, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
The moth trap attracted a Common Roller which would appear to be the first island record.
Offshore
A check of the sea at high tide revealed just 22 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and 4 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Evidence of passage was provided by 6 Swift, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 120 Dunlin, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
The moth trap attracted a Common Roller which would appear to be the first island record.
Little Ringed Plover
9th July 2018 – sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide (0700-0830) revealed 370 Sandwich Tern, 146 Common Scoter, 79 Manx Shearwater and 28 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived.
Breeding birds
A significant sign of the times is that the productivity of the roof-top nesting gulls on the island again out performed the colony at the south end of the island.
Mammals
A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was noted while local specialities attracted to the moth trap overnight involved Crescent Striped and Shore Wainscot.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide (0700-0830) revealed 370 Sandwich Tern, 146 Common Scoter, 79 Manx Shearwater and 28 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived.
Breeding birds
A significant sign of the times is that the productivity of the roof-top nesting gulls on the island again out performed the colony at the south end of the island.
Mammals
A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was noted while local specialities attracted to the moth trap overnight involved Crescent Striped and Shore Wainscot.
Long-eared Owl
8th July 2018 – hot and sunny V2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0745) produced 145 Common Scoter, 57 Sandwich Tern, 20 Manx Shearwater, 3 Puffin and a Black Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Lesser Redpoll and Swift were again logged.
Miscellaneous
A Long-eared Owl provided the highlight of the day.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0745) produced 145 Common Scoter, 57 Sandwich Tern, 20 Manx Shearwater, 3 Puffin and a Black Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Lesser Redpoll and Swift were again logged.
Miscellaneous
A Long-eared Owl provided the highlight of the day.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Waders begin to increase
7th July 2018 – hot and sunny V2
Offshore
The sea provided 27 Common Scoter, 12 Sandwich Tern, 12 Little Tern, 5 Gannet and 2 Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
The first Lesser Redpoll of the autumn was overhead and a few Swift were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 150 Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding birds
Unusually 2 pairs of Teal have bred on the island.
Dragonflies
Black-tailed Skimmers are still showing well along with Four-spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Hawker and Brown Hawker.
Butterflies and Moths
A Bordered Beauty was attracted to the moth trap where recent sightings include Orange-spotted Shoot – the first island record.
Offshore
The sea provided 27 Common Scoter, 12 Sandwich Tern, 12 Little Tern, 5 Gannet and 2 Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
The first Lesser Redpoll of the autumn was overhead and a few Swift were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 150 Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding birds
Unusually 2 pairs of Teal have bred on the island.
Dragonflies
Black-tailed Skimmers are still showing well along with Four-spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Hawker and Brown Hawker.
Butterflies and Moths
A Bordered Beauty was attracted to the moth trap where recent sightings include Orange-spotted Shoot – the first island record.
Insect day
2nd July 2018 – hot and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
The sea provided 50 Common Scoter, 33 Manx Shearwater, 6 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were overhead.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with a single Whimbrel logged.
Dragonflies
Black-tailed Skimmers are currently showing well.
Butterflies and Moths
A Ringlet consolidates evidence of recent colonisation and moths included Oak Eggar, Small Dusty Wave, Small Blood-vein and Pretty Chalk Carpet – the latter would appear to be the first island record.
Offshore
The sea provided 50 Common Scoter, 33 Manx Shearwater, 6 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were overhead.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with a single Whimbrel logged.
Dragonflies
Black-tailed Skimmers are currently showing well.
Butterflies and Moths
A Ringlet consolidates evidence of recent colonisation and moths included Oak Eggar, Small Dusty Wave, Small Blood-vein and Pretty Chalk Carpet – the latter would appear to be the first island record.
Waders continue to return
1st July 2018 – hot and sunny V2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 125 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 48 Manx Shearwater, 8 Gannet and a Goosander.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 50 Sand Martin collected on overhead wires was suggestive that southbound movement is imminent.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 3 Ruff and single Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and Snipe logged
Miscellaneous
A group of 6 Raven (4 adults and 2 juveniles) was recorded.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 125 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 48 Manx Shearwater, 8 Gannet and a Goosander.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 50 Sand Martin collected on overhead wires was suggestive that southbound movement is imminent.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 3 Ruff and single Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and Snipe logged
Miscellaneous
A group of 6 Raven (4 adults and 2 juveniles) was recorded.
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