31st August 2018 – bright and sunny SE2 then S3/4
Offshore
The sea provided 320 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were sparse with just 5 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
In contrast the skies were far more productive with observations (0700-1100) producing totals of 1250 Meadow Pipit, 1000 Swallow, 100 Tree Sparrow, 100 Pied Wagtail, 62 Sand Martin, 41 Goldfinch, 32 Linnet, 11 House Martin, 6 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 1300 Redshank, 350 Turnstone, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Greenshank.
Ringing
Perhaps the worst August total ever recorded by the observatory was typified with the lack of warblers trapped with just two Willow Warbler ringed. Only 69 birds of seven species were handled during the month, individual species totals were as follows (retaps in brackets) House Sparrow 49, (1), Goldfinch 8, (1), Greenfinch 5, Willow Warbler 2, Blackbird 1, Blue Tit 1 and Coal Tit (1). 637/30, 156/15, 7/5.
Moths
A Pinion-streaked Snout was the highlight of the overnight attraction.
Osprey flies through
30th August 2018 – sunny spells V1
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of sightings included: 12 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Whinchat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew through and 70 Swallow and single Sand Martin and House Martin.
Wildfowl Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of sightings included: 12 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Whinchat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew through and 70 Swallow and single Sand Martin and House Martin.
Wildfowl Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Skuas
27th August 2018 – overcast/showers W4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0715-1015) revealed 127 Manx Shearwater, 119 Sandwich Tern, 114 Gannet, 104 Common Scoter, 58 Kittiwake, 20 Razorbill, 7 Fulmar, 3 Little Tern, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Shoveler have now returned and waders included Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 58 Little Egret were logged.
Moths
Feathered Gothic was new for the year.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0715-1015) revealed 127 Manx Shearwater, 119 Sandwich Tern, 114 Gannet, 104 Common Scoter, 58 Kittiwake, 20 Razorbill, 7 Fulmar, 3 Little Tern, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Shoveler have now returned and waders included Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 58 Little Egret were logged.
Moths
Feathered Gothic was new for the year.
Black Tern
26th August 2018 – overcast/rain soon SSE4
Offshore
A check of the sea before the weather closed in (0630-0830) revealed a Black Tern along with 47 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and a Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 25 Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Offshore
A check of the sea before the weather closed in (0630-0830) revealed a Black Tern along with 47 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and a Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 25 Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Passage recommences
25th August 2018 – sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 31 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 4 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 13 Wheatear, 10 White Wagtail, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
The best movement of the autumn so far saw 46 alba Wagtail, 22 Tree Pipit, 21 Tree Sparrow and 12 Grey Wagtail moving through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Wigeon were amongst 40 Teal and waders included 5 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 33 Little Egret are now on the island, birds of prey included 4 Sparrowhawk and a Little Owl.
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 31 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 4 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 13 Wheatear, 10 White Wagtail, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
The best movement of the autumn so far saw 46 alba Wagtail, 22 Tree Pipit, 21 Tree Sparrow and 12 Grey Wagtail moving through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Wigeon were amongst 40 Teal and waders included 5 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 33 Little Egret are now on the island, birds of prey included 4 Sparrowhawk and a Little Owl.
Arctic Skua
24th August 2018 – overcast/showers NW4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (1530-1630) produced 130 Manx Shearwater, 19 Gannet, 18 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, 3 Razorbill, 2 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Offshore
A check of the sea (1530-1630) produced 130 Manx Shearwater, 19 Gannet, 18 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, 3 Razorbill, 2 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Yellow Wagtails
21st August 2018 – sunny spells V1
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included: 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Yellow Wagtail and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Two Yellow Wagtail flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included: 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Yellow Wagtail and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Two Yellow Wagtail flew through.
Little Ringed Plover and Garganey
20th August 2018 – overcast/drizzle at times/calm
Offshore
The calm seas revealed 7,045 Eider and 69 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was evident with 51 Willow Warbler, 19 Stonechat, 13 Whitethroat, 9 Sedge Warbler, 7 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Cuckoo logged.
Diurnal Migration
Five Tree Pipit were recorded along with 79 Swallow, 22 House Martin and 3 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Garganey was amongst 33 Teal and waders included 22 Greenshank, 8 Whimbrel, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.
Miscellaneous
A total of 4 Sparrowhawk were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was seen and moths attracted overnight included Portland Moth.
Offshore
The calm seas revealed 7,045 Eider and 69 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was evident with 51 Willow Warbler, 19 Stonechat, 13 Whitethroat, 9 Sedge Warbler, 7 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Cuckoo logged.
Diurnal Migration
Five Tree Pipit were recorded along with 79 Swallow, 22 House Martin and 3 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Garganey was amongst 33 Teal and waders included 22 Greenshank, 8 Whimbrel, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.
Miscellaneous
A total of 4 Sparrowhawk were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was seen and moths attracted overnight included Portland Moth.
More Seabirds
19th August 2018 – overcast/drizzle at times SW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations on the falling tide (0745-0945) produced 206 Common Scoter, 39 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 13 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Morning observations on the falling tide (0745-0945) produced 206 Common Scoter, 39 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 13 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Seawatch
18th August 2018 – overcast/drizzle at times SW4
Offshore
Morning observations on the falling tide (0745-0945 & 1100-1200) produced 108 Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 25 Sandwich Tern, 24 Manx Shearwater, 6 Kittiwake and 3 Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Offshore
Morning observations on the falling tide (0745-0945 & 1100-1200) produced 108 Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 25 Sandwich Tern, 24 Manx Shearwater, 6 Kittiwake and 3 Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Black Tern
17th August 2018 – overcast/rain later SW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0915) produced a Black Tern along with 431 Common Scoter, 36 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Kittiwake and 2 Fulmar. Later observations (1230-1330) added 50 Sandwich Tern, 7 Manx Shearwater, 3 Shag and a Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Knot, 50 Ringed Plover, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0915) produced a Black Tern along with 431 Common Scoter, 36 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Kittiwake and 2 Fulmar. Later observations (1230-1330) added 50 Sandwich Tern, 7 Manx Shearwater, 3 Shag and a Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Knot, 50 Ringed Plover, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Seabirds
14th August 2018 – overcast WDW2/3
Offshore
Just time for a check of the sea on the falling tide (1540-1730) which produced 325 Manx Shearwater, 106 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 15 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake and 4 Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 14 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel were the only waders logged.
Offshore
Just time for a check of the sea on the falling tide (1540-1730) which produced 325 Manx Shearwater, 106 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 15 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake and 4 Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 14 Golden Plover and a Whimbrel were the only waders logged.
Black Guillemot and Mediterranean Gulls
13th August 2018 – overcast/mist/murk WNW2/3/4
Offshore
Sightings over the sea were led by a juvenile Black Guillemot and Mediterranean Gull along with 40 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern and 28 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of movement was noted with just 4 Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling, 7 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull amongst 100 Black-headed Gull and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
Migrant Hawkers are now on the wing.
Offshore
Sightings over the sea were led by a juvenile Black Guillemot and Mediterranean Gull along with 40 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern and 28 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of movement was noted with just 4 Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling, 7 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull amongst 100 Black-headed Gull and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
Migrant Hawkers are now on the wing.
Quiet day!
12th August 2018 – early rain clearing SSE2
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide as the rain cleared (0750-0950) produced 223 Manx Shearwater, 128 Gannet, 32 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Scoter and 6 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and single Cuckoo and Whinchat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel.
Moths
A Dark Sword-grass provided evidence of immigration.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide as the rain cleared (0750-0950) produced 223 Manx Shearwater, 128 Gannet, 32 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Scoter and 6 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and single Cuckoo and Whinchat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel.
Moths
A Dark Sword-grass provided evidence of immigration.
Little Egret begin to build
11th August 2018 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
The sea provided 510 Sandwich Tern, 59 Manx Shearwater, 35 Common Scoter, 24 Common Scoter and 4 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo continues to linger and a Whinchat was amongst 15 Stonechat. Additional sightings included 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat and 3 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of movement was provided by 5 Tree Pipit and single Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Although 100 Swallow and 24 Sand Martin were logged there was little evidence that hirundines were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Curlew, 400 Sanderling, 240 Turnstone, 12 Greenshank, 11 Whimbrel and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret numbers continue to increase with 30 birds logged. Also seen were 2 Peregrine.
Offshore
The sea provided 510 Sandwich Tern, 59 Manx Shearwater, 35 Common Scoter, 24 Common Scoter and 4 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo continues to linger and a Whinchat was amongst 15 Stonechat. Additional sightings included 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat and 3 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of movement was provided by 5 Tree Pipit and single Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Although 100 Swallow and 24 Sand Martin were logged there was little evidence that hirundines were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Curlew, 400 Sanderling, 240 Turnstone, 12 Greenshank, 11 Whimbrel and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret numbers continue to increase with 30 birds logged. Also seen were 2 Peregrine.
Waders continue to build
10th August 2018 – heavy showers clearing WNW3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 120 Sandwich Tern, 104 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater and 24 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were well represented with 1962 Curlew, 800 Knot, 540 Redshank, 270 Sanderling, 88 Grey Plover, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine and Little Owl were logged.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Bar-tailed Godwit was seen, the first control for this species on the island.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 120 Sandwich Tern, 104 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater and 24 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were well represented with 1962 Curlew, 800 Knot, 540 Redshank, 270 Sanderling, 88 Grey Plover, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine and Little Owl were logged.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Bar-tailed Godwit was seen, the first control for this species on the island.
Garganey remains
9th August 2018 – sunny spells SW2
Offshore
A flock of 22 Little Tern were noted at high tide.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 8 Stonechat and additional sightings involved 10 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 6 Wheatear and 2 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 11 Teal and waders included 14 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Three Painted Lady were logged.
Offshore
A flock of 22 Little Tern were noted at high tide.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 8 Stonechat and additional sightings involved 10 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 6 Wheatear and 2 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 11 Teal and waders included 14 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Three Painted Lady were logged.
Autumn trickle continues
6th August 2018 – overcast SW2
Offshore
An evening check of the sea revealed 84 Manx Shearwater, 69 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet and 7 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A light scattering produced 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat and single Wheatear and Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 14 House Martin and a total of three Swift were amongst a few Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin targeted a flock of 300 Linnet.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 80 Wall Brown were logged and a Frosted Orange was the first of the year.
Offshore
An evening check of the sea revealed 84 Manx Shearwater, 69 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet and 7 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A light scattering produced 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat and single Wheatear and Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 14 House Martin and a total of three Swift were amongst a few Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin targeted a flock of 300 Linnet.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 80 Wall Brown were logged and a Frosted Orange was the first of the year.
Marsh Harrier
5th August 2018 – early cloud/mist then bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Morning observations over calm seas (0700-0745) provided the first 2 Shag of the autumn along with 88 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 10 Little Tern, 10 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Again a flurry of activity was noted with 12 Sedge Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier circled over the island at 1345hrs. Additional sightings were limited to 3 Tree Pipit and a single House Martin amongst a few Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 6 Teal, waders included 6 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Moths
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was the highlight amongst a small overnight attraction.
Offshore
Morning observations over calm seas (0700-0745) provided the first 2 Shag of the autumn along with 88 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 10 Little Tern, 10 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Again a flurry of activity was noted with 12 Sedge Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier circled over the island at 1345hrs. Additional sightings were limited to 3 Tree Pipit and a single House Martin amongst a few Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 6 Teal, waders included 6 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Moths
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was the highlight amongst a small overnight attraction.
Pied Flycatchers
4th August 2018 – sunny spells NW1/3
Offshore
Morning observations included 221 Common Scoter, 63 Sandwich Tern, 23 Manx Shearwater, 12 Gannet and 6 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A real hint that autumn is upon us with sightings led by 2 Pied Flycatchers. Also seen were 22 Willow Warbler, 7 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and single Cuckoo, Whinchat, Wheatear and Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Single Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 14 Teal, waders included 17 Golden Plover, 10 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Woodland species less frequently seen on the island included 6 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Jay and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper.
Moths
There was an autumnal feel to the moths with Hedge Rustic, Rosy Rustic and Square-spot Rustic attracted overnight.
Offshore
Morning observations included 221 Common Scoter, 63 Sandwich Tern, 23 Manx Shearwater, 12 Gannet and 6 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A real hint that autumn is upon us with sightings led by 2 Pied Flycatchers. Also seen were 22 Willow Warbler, 7 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and single Cuckoo, Whinchat, Wheatear and Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Single Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Garganey remains amongst 14 Teal, waders included 17 Golden Plover, 10 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Woodland species less frequently seen on the island included 6 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Jay and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper.
Moths
There was an autumnal feel to the moths with Hedge Rustic, Rosy Rustic and Square-spot Rustic attracted overnight.
Garganey arrives
1st August 2018 – sunny start then showers SSW2/1
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler were the only evidence of migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Garganey amongst 8 Teal was newly arrived and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Miscellaneous
A white bird is amongst the large post-breeding flock of Starlings touring the island.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler were the only evidence of migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Garganey amongst 8 Teal was newly arrived and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Miscellaneous
A white bird is amongst the large post-breeding flock of Starlings touring the island.
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