30th September 2018 – sun and showers WNW4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 104 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 16 Razorbill, 6 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to several Goldcrest and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Just 10 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail and 2 Swallow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup remains and the Brent Goose flock held 41 light-bellied birds.
Moths
Acleris emargana was new for the year.
Ringing
September proved to be another poor month until totals were somewhat improved by several decent days in the last week which increased the number of birds handled to 199 of 17 species. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets) Chaffinch 74, Robin 17 (2), Meadow Pipit 16, Goldfinch 15 (5), Tree Sparrow 14, Blue Tit 11 (2), Great Tit 8, Dunnock 8, Goldcrest 8, Wren 7, Chiffchaff 4, House Sparrow 3, Willow Warbler 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackcap 1 and Reed Bunting 1. 827/32, 165/15, 10/6.
Whooper Swan, Scaup, Merlin
29th September 2018 – sunny spells WSW2/3
Offshore
Just 2 Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was amongst 4 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Noticeably quieter than yesterday with 305 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Pied Wagtail, 40 Meadow Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 10 Jackdaw, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup remains and waders included 6 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Just 2 Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was amongst 4 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Noticeably quieter than yesterday with 305 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Pied Wagtail, 40 Meadow Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 10 Jackdaw, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup remains and waders included 6 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Scaup returns
28th September 2018 – bright and sunny NE1
Offshore
Casual observations over the sea produced single Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remain at a premium with just 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and single Goldcrest and Sedge Warbler amongst 27 Robin.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration again dominated the day’s sightings with 3000 Meadow Pipit, 2290 Pink-footed Goose, 810 Skylark, 470 Swallow, 330 Linnet, 155 Pied Wagtail, 100 Chaffinch, 20 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin amongst the species logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Scaup was perhaps a returning bird from earlier in the year. Waders included 16 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Moths
Red-green Carpet was new for the year.
Offshore
Casual observations over the sea produced single Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remain at a premium with just 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and single Goldcrest and Sedge Warbler amongst 27 Robin.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration again dominated the day’s sightings with 3000 Meadow Pipit, 2290 Pink-footed Goose, 810 Skylark, 470 Swallow, 330 Linnet, 155 Pied Wagtail, 100 Chaffinch, 20 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin amongst the species logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Scaup was perhaps a returning bird from earlier in the year. Waders included 16 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Moths
Red-green Carpet was new for the year.
Visible migration dominates
24th September 2018 – sun and showers N1 then WNW3
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
The skies remained active with 912 Pink-footed Goose, 560 Meadow Pipit, 120 Skylark, 55 Chaffinch, 35 Pied Wagtail, 5 Siskin, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Swallow and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 27 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1200 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved 5 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
The skies remained active with 912 Pink-footed Goose, 560 Meadow Pipit, 120 Skylark, 55 Chaffinch, 35 Pied Wagtail, 5 Siskin, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Swallow and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 27 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1200 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved 5 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine.
Little Ringed Plover headlines
23rd September 2018 – overcast start, sunny soon N1 then NW3
Offshore
A calm sea early morning revealed 9 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 6 Goldcrest, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Light winds early morning induced birds to move with 1070 Pink-footed Geese, 600 Meadow Pipit, 170 Skylark, 120 Swallow, 55 Chaffinch, 47 Pied Wagtail, 45 Tree Sparrow, 34 Linnet, 11 Jackdaw, 10 Grey Wagtail, 6 House Martin, 5 Reed Bunting and 4 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Seven light-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 18 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Ringed Plover.
Moths
Feathered Rannunculus was new for the year.
Offshore
A calm sea early morning revealed 9 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 6 Goldcrest, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Light winds early morning induced birds to move with 1070 Pink-footed Geese, 600 Meadow Pipit, 170 Skylark, 120 Swallow, 55 Chaffinch, 47 Pied Wagtail, 45 Tree Sparrow, 34 Linnet, 11 Jackdaw, 10 Grey Wagtail, 6 House Martin, 5 Reed Bunting and 4 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Seven light-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 18 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Ringed Plover.
Moths
Feathered Rannunculus was new for the year.
First Whooper Swans arrive
22nd September 2018 – overcast W3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0915) produced 116 Common Scoter, 53 Red-throated Diver, 16 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and single Gannet, Manx Shearwater and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 8 Chiffchaff were logged along with single White Wagtail, Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
With some respite in the wind a few birds were on the move with 400 Meadow Pipit, 40 Pied Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 12 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 3 House Martin, 2 Whooper Swan and a Swallow recorded through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three light-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 17 Greenshank and 10 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were again much in evidence with 7 Sparrowhawk and single Kestrel, Peregrine and Merlin logged.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0915) produced 116 Common Scoter, 53 Red-throated Diver, 16 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and single Gannet, Manx Shearwater and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 8 Chiffchaff were logged along with single White Wagtail, Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
With some respite in the wind a few birds were on the move with 400 Meadow Pipit, 40 Pied Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 12 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 3 House Martin, 2 Whooper Swan and a Swallow recorded through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three light-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 17 Greenshank and 10 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were again much in evidence with 7 Sparrowhawk and single Kestrel, Peregrine and Merlin logged.
Mediocre seawatching
21st September 2018 – sunshine and showers W5/6 gusting to 8
Offshore
Little respite in the weather with strong winds continuing to batter the island. Despite the conditions observations over the sea (0730-0930 & 1300-1500) were somewhat disappointing with just 330 Common Scoter, 66 Razorbill, 13 Guillemot, 11 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 4 Wheatear were the only birds mustered.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit headed out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Offshore
Little respite in the weather with strong winds continuing to batter the island. Despite the conditions observations over the sea (0730-0930 & 1300-1500) were somewhat disappointing with just 330 Common Scoter, 66 Razorbill, 13 Guillemot, 11 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 4 Wheatear were the only birds mustered.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit headed out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Another Leach’s Petrel
18th September 2018 – early drizzle then sunny spells SSW4/5/6
Offshore
The sea saw a lot of effort on the rising tide (1430-1830) with scant reward. Although the second Leach’s Petrel of the autumn was logged additional sightings were limited to 8 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot and Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only other bird logged.
Offshore
The sea saw a lot of effort on the rising tide (1430-1830) with scant reward. Although the second Leach’s Petrel of the autumn was logged additional sightings were limited to 8 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot and Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only other bird logged.
Standard autumn fare
17th September 2018 – sunny spells SE3
Offshore
A quiet day over the sea which provided 40 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet, 2 Shag and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Totals included: 11 Robin, 5 White Wagtail, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies again provided most of the action with 900 Meadow Pipit, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Swallow, 40 Skylark, 36 alba Wagtail, 27 Linnet, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 18 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Moths
A Black Rustic was new for the year.
Offshore
A quiet day over the sea which provided 40 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet, 2 Shag and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Totals included: 11 Robin, 5 White Wagtail, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies again provided most of the action with 900 Meadow Pipit, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Swallow, 40 Skylark, 36 alba Wagtail, 27 Linnet, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 18 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Moths
A Black Rustic was new for the year.
Leach’s Petrel and Great Northern Diver
16th September 2018 – early rain then sunny spells SW4/5
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (0900-1200) as the rain cleared produced variety and a little bit of quality with single Leach’s Petrel and Great Northern Diver amongst 71 Gannet, 53 Razorbill, 46 Common Scoter, 28 Red-throated Diver, 7 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot and single Fulmar and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only bird logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (0900-1200) as the rain cleared produced variety and a little bit of quality with single Leach’s Petrel and Great Northern Diver amongst 71 Gannet, 53 Razorbill, 46 Common Scoter, 28 Red-throated Diver, 7 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot and single Fulmar and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only bird logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Pink-footed Geese move through
15th September 2018 – overcast/showers S1/2
Grounded Migrants
With some respite in the weather overnight a few grounded migrants were in evidence with 17 Wheatear, 10 Robin, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 White Wagtail, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Whitethroat and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Dawn broke to lightest winds for a while and consequently a few birds were on the move with 1000 Meadow Pipit, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 85 Skylark, 50 Linnet, 40 Swallow, 35 Swallow, 12 Grey Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 11 Greenshank were amongst 1000 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were much in evidence with 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine and a Merlin all competing for the same air space.
Grounded Migrants
With some respite in the weather overnight a few grounded migrants were in evidence with 17 Wheatear, 10 Robin, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 White Wagtail, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Whitethroat and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Dawn broke to lightest winds for a while and consequently a few birds were on the move with 1000 Meadow Pipit, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 85 Skylark, 50 Linnet, 40 Swallow, 35 Swallow, 12 Grey Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 11 Greenshank were amongst 1000 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were much in evidence with 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine and a Merlin all competing for the same air space.
Ruff remains in residence
14th September 2018 – overcast/showers SW4/5
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide produced 200 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver, 6 Shelduck, 4 Pintail and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late with 12 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Ruff remains in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
Square-spot Rustic dominated the overnight moth attraction which included the first Lunar Underwing of the year.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide produced 200 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver, 6 Shelduck, 4 Pintail and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late with 12 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Ruff remains in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
Square-spot Rustic dominated the overnight moth attraction which included the first Lunar Underwing of the year.
First Brent Geese arrive back from Canada
13th September 2018 – overcast SW4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (1530-1730) produced 35 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Single Grey Wagtail and Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have now returned.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (1530-1730) produced 35 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Single Grey Wagtail and Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have now returned.
Ruff arrives
10th September 2018 – overcast/rain by evening SW4
Offshore
The sea provided 61 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Manx Shearwater and Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Ruff, Greenshank and Whimbrel.
Grounded Migrants
A single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were the only birds to trouble the log.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were seen.
Offshore
The sea provided 61 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Manx Shearwater and Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Ruff, Greenshank and Whimbrel.
Grounded Migrants
A single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were the only birds to trouble the log.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were seen.
Skuas
9th September 2018 – early rain then heavy showers SW4/5
Offshore
Conditions dictated that the sea dominated the days sightings with 200 Common Scoter, 111 Gannet, 22 Razorbill, 13 Fulmar, 9 Kittiwake, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua logged between showers (0800-1100hrs).
Grounded Migrants
A single Whinchat was amongst 8 Stonechat.
Offshore
Conditions dictated that the sea dominated the days sightings with 200 Common Scoter, 111 Gannet, 22 Razorbill, 13 Fulmar, 9 Kittiwake, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua logged between showers (0800-1100hrs).
Grounded Migrants
A single Whinchat was amongst 8 Stonechat.
Wildfowl begin to increase
8th September 2018 – overcast/rain SW2
Offshore
Observations yielded 172 Common Scoter, 11 Sandwich Tern and 7 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Whinchat was all that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl numbers begin to build with 231 Wigeon, 191 Teal and 3 Shoveler recorded. Waders included 2215 Redshank, 305 Turnstone, 16 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was amongst 145 Black-headed Gull and a least 30 Little Egret were present.
Moths
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was new for the year.
Offshore
Observations yielded 172 Common Scoter, 11 Sandwich Tern and 7 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Whinchat was all that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl numbers begin to build with 231 Wigeon, 191 Teal and 3 Shoveler recorded. Waders included 2215 Redshank, 305 Turnstone, 16 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was amongst 145 Black-headed Gull and a least 30 Little Egret were present.
Moths
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was new for the year.
Quiet day
7th September 2018 – heavy showers NW4/5
Offshore
The sea revealed 45 Sandwich Tern, 41 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Just a single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Offshore
The sea revealed 45 Sandwich Tern, 41 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Just a single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Yellow Wagtail
2nd September 2018 – overcast SSE3
Offshore
Morning observations produced 48 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 19 Manx Shearwater, 14 Sandwich Tern, 11 Wigeon, 6 Teal and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Still at a premium with just 3 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Yellow Wagtail and House Martin wre amongst 50 Meadow Pipit and 50 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Morning observations produced 48 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 19 Manx Shearwater, 14 Sandwich Tern, 11 Wigeon, 6 Teal and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Still at a premium with just 3 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Yellow Wagtail and House Martin wre amongst 50 Meadow Pipit and 50 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Marsh Harrier
1st September 2018 – overcast/light showers ENE3
Offshore
Little change over the sea with 320 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and a Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remained at a premium with only 3 Wheatear, 3 Robin, 2 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Noticeably quieter than yesterday with 190 Meadow Pipit, 64 Swallow, 27 Pied Wagtail, 14 Linnet, 5 Grey Wagtail and 4 House Martin seen.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Marsh Harrier emerged from its overnight roost to hunt over the island. Additional raptors included 2 Merlin while 3 Rook were unusual.
Offshore
Little change over the sea with 320 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and a Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remained at a premium with only 3 Wheatear, 3 Robin, 2 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Noticeably quieter than yesterday with 190 Meadow Pipit, 64 Swallow, 27 Pied Wagtail, 14 Linnet, 5 Grey Wagtail and 4 House Martin seen.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Marsh Harrier emerged from its overnight roost to hunt over the island. Additional raptors included 2 Merlin while 3 Rook were unusual.
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