19th April 2019 – bright and sunny E2/1
Offshore
Morning observations (0715-0815) produced 3 Little Gull (2 adult and a first-summer) and 2 Arctic Skua along with 135 Common Scoter, 26 Sandwich Tern, 17 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake and 5 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear remain the dominant species with 80 birds logged, also seen were 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 White Wagtail and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 210 birds headed north early morning. Additional sightings through the morning were 100 Meadow Pipit, 12 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 3 Siskin, 2 House Martin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering winter wildfowl involved 12 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 3 Wigeon. A Common Sandpiper was new for the year and additional waders included 1000 Knot, 150 Golden Plover, 18 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
The first Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats have now returned to breeding habitats on the island where 10 Blackcap and 3 Grasshopper Warbler were also present. A Buzzard drifted high south east and a Water Rail was in suitable breeding habitat.
Butterflies and Moths
Speckled Wood and Orange Tip have now emerged in good numbers.
