Hummingbird

30th June 2019 – sunny spells SW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0730) produced 105 Common Scoter, 93 Manx Shearwater, 71 Gannet, 40 Sandwich Tern, 15 Guillemot, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains while newly grounded migrants involved single Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Butterflies and Moths
A Hummingbird Hawkmoth fed in the midday sunshine while the moth trap held Buff Arches, Smoky Wainscot and Drinker – all new for the year.

Red-veined Darters

29th June 2019 – sunny spells/warm E1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0730) yielded 185 Manx Shearwater, 90 Common Scoter, 40 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 3 Puffin, 2 Kittiwake, and single Arctic Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was the only grounded migrant of the day.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 50 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank amongst 55 Redshank and 14 Grey Plover.
Dragonflies
A check of the island’s ponds located 5 Red-veined Darter (all adult males) along with 7 Emperor Dragonfly and 7 Black-tailed Skimmer (6 males + female).
Butterflies and Moths
The large number of Painted Ladies seen a few days ago seem to have moved on with just small numbers remaining. Immigrants in the moth trap involved 20 Diamond-back Moths while Common Rustic and July Belle were new for the year.

Puffins back on form

28th June 2019 – warm and sunny E2/3
Offshore
The sea provided a little more variety than of late with the rising tide (0630-0730) providing 270 Sandwich Tern, 61 Manx Shearwater, 51 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 19 Puffin, 5 Razorbill and 3 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was the only grounded migrant of the day.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 7 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included the first Whimbrel of the autumn.
Butterflies and Moths
Large numbers of Painted Ladies were still widespread across the island. The moth trap only attracted small numbers overnight, however, Clay was new for the year.

Cuckoo finally on year list

27th June 2019 – warm and sunny E2/3
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0730) again revealed little in the way of variety with just 230 Common Scoter, 45 Sandwich Tern, 9 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Guillemot and a Puffin logged.
Grounded Migrants
With no spring records a return passage adult Cuckoo was the first of the year. Two juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were more likely the result of post-breeding dispersal although 3 southbound Willow Warbler were also recorded
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 450 Knot, 400 Oystercatcher, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Cetaceans
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
A notable influx of Painted Ladies was logged with sample counts locating 1000 individuals, in contrast only 10 Red Admiral were seen. The moth trap held Obscure Wainscot, Light Emerald and Light Arches – all new for the year.

Common Scoter begin to head south

26th June 2019 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0730) revealed little in the way of variety with just 245 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet and 2 Guillemot logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Black-tailed Godwit.
Butterflies and Moths
Four Painted Lady were logged while the moth trap held a single Double Dart which appears to be just the third record.

Waders continue to return

25th June 2019 – mist/fog/calm then sunny spells NE3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) were hampered by low visibility, however, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet, 2 Shag and a Kittiwake were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Single juvenile Blackcap and Robin were on the move.
Diurnal Migration
A loose flock of 34 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 6 Painted Lady and 2 Red Admiral were logged while the moth trap held 54 species including Shore Wainscot, Riband Wave and Single-dotted Wave.

Gadwall and Greenshank

24th June 2019 – overcast NE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 120 Sandwich Tern, 81 Common Scoter, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 23 Gannet, 8 Manx Shearwater and 2 Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Gadwall was amongst 4 Shoveler and the first returning Greenshank was amongst 26 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Summer doldrums

23rd June 2019 – overcast SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 70 Manx Shearwater, 19 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 8 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A single Willow Warbler was probably heading south.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 5 Swift flew through.
Butterflies and Moths
Another Painted Lady was logged.

Puffin run still continues

22nd June 2019 – overcast/sunny later NE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 215 Sandwich Tern, 175 Manx Shearwater, 19 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 2 Puffin and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 12 Swift flew through.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted Barred Straw which was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
Apparently unknown to occur on the island a group of foxglove contained 35 flower spikes.

Bees and Bonxie

21st June 2019 – bright and sunny SW2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 125 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Scoter, 33 Gannet, 24 Guillemot, 12 Manx Shearwater and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was perhaps heading south although a juvenile Robin was more likely a result of post-breeding dispersal.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 221 moths of 40 species overnight with Archer’s Dart, Burnished Brass, Common Wave, Double square-spot and Tawny Shears all new for the year. Another Painted Lady was logged.
Miscellaneous
A number of orchid species are now in flower on the island, including several Bee Orchids.

Mediterranean Gull

20th June 2019 – early showers clearing SW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 320 Sandwich Tern, 147 Manx Shearwater, 64 Common Scoter, 55 Guillemot, 34 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Puffin and an adult Mediterranean Gull.

Puffin reappear offshore

19th June 2019 – bright and sunny/calm then SW2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 170 Sandwich Tern, 50 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 17 Manx Shearwater, 11 Puffin, 8 Guillemot, 6 Kittiwake and a Common Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Tufted Duck brood has now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 45 moth species were trapped overnight – the highest of the year so far. Sightings included: Triangle Plume, Sandy Carpet and Mottled Beauty, all new for the year.

Little Egret numbers start to build

18th June 2019 – bright and sunny SW2
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal have doubled to 4 (all males) and waders included 1000 Knot and 20 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret influx was apparent with 10 birds seen.
Breeding Birds
The first Eider and Shelduck broods have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown was on the wing while White Satin was new for the year.

Waders already begin to reappear

17th June 2019 – sunny spells SSW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) included 36 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 23 Guillemot, 10 Gannet and single Arctic Tern, Common Scoter and Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Teal remain and waders included 256 Curlew.
Butterflies and Moths
Another Painted Lady was logged and the moth trap catch was dominated by Large Yellow Underwing with 187 logged amongst which were Shark and Green Carpet – both new for the year.

Scaup still here

16th June 2019 – sun and showers S2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 10 Sandwich Tern, 10 Arctic Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup continues to loiter amongst the Eider moult flock and waders included 150 Knot, 50 Dunlin, 17 Grey Plover and 9 Sanderling.

First Teal return

15th June 2019 – overcast/rain at times SE2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Teal of the autumn have returned.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Painted Lady of the year was logged.

Breeding Teal

12th June 2019 – early rain clearing NE3/4
Offshore
It was a slow morning over the sea (0630-0730), although the now seemingly obligatory Puffin sighting saw 2 birds logged additional records were limited to 100 Sandwich Tern, 53 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 21 Swift flew north over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Shoveler continues in residence and waders included 70 Dunlin and 20 Sanderling.
Breeding Birds
A pair of Teal have bred on the island for the second successive year.
Butterflies and Moths
Although the moth trap held 204 moths of 27 species the catch was dominated by 109 Large Yellow Underwing while Buff Ermine was new for the year.

Puffin run still continues

11th June 2019 – sunny spells NE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced just 110 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 7 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the only other bird logged.

Marsh Harrier and Yellowhammer

10th June 2019 – bright start, cloud building NNE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) included: 150 Sandwich Tern, 130 Manx Shearwater, 34 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 2 Puffin and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A male Yellowhammer was a surprise and presumably a migrant – the species has not bred on the island for many years.
Diurnal Migration
A rather ragged looking female Marsh Harrier headed north over the island.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Shoveler put in another appearance and a Whimbrel was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large Skipper are now on the wing.

Velvet Scoter

9th June 2019 – bright and sunny SW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0800) were led by a male Velvet Scoter amongst 28 Common Scoter with a supporting cast of 565 Manx Shearwater, 170 Guillemot, 165 Sandwich Tern, 140 Gannet, 80 Kittiwake, 32 Razorbill and 5 Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Shoveler put in another appearance.
Breeding Birds
Both Wren and Great Tit have bred successfully in the observatory garden for the first time.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved singles of Rusty Dot Pearl, Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.

Rain stopped play

8th June 2019 – rain, NNW3 then WNW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) in atrocious conditions produced only 50 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater and a Fulmar.>
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift were out over the sea.

The sea continues to dominate sightings

7th June 2019 – bright start rain later E2/3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) provided 260 Sandwich Tern, 60 Canada Goose, 55 Gannet, 51 Manx Shearwater, 30 Common Scoter, 28 Guillemot, 7 Puffin, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Little Tern and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A couple of Swift flew through ahead of the rain front.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Knot and 14 Sanderling.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Sand Dart of the year was amongst 230 moths of 35 species attracted to the moth trap overnight.

Little Gull

6th June 2019 – bright and sunny SSW2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced a first-summer Little Gull and 3 Puffin amongst 210 Sandwich Tern, 56 Guillemot, 42 Gannet, 41 Manx Shearwater, 11 Common Scoter, 6 Shoveler, 4 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.

Seabirds again

5th June 2019 – overcast/rain at times SSW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 300 Sandwich Tern, 56 Gannet, 20 Guillemot, 10 Puffin, 6 Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.

More seabirds

4th June 2019 – overcast/showers then rain SSE1/2
Offshore
A quieter day than yesterday although early morning observations (0630-0730) did produce 330 Sandwich Tern, 50 Manx Shearwater, 35 Guillemot, 22 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 11 Kittiwake, 7 Razorbill, 3 Puffin and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 10 Bar-tailed Godwit were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrants in the moth trap involved 2 Rusty Dot Pearl and a Silver Y.

A day for seawatching!

3rd June 2019 – bright and sunny SW5/6/7
Offshore
The blustery conditions saw an extended seawatch on the rising tide (0630-1030) which produced: 525 Manx Shearwater, 445 Guillemot, 150 Gannet, 70 Kittiwake, 65 Sandwich Tern, 60 Razorbill, 36 Common Scoter, 16 Fulmar, 5 Puffin, 4 Little Tern, and single Arctic Skua and Arctic Tern.

A quiet day

2nd June 2019 – overcast/showers SSE2/3
Offshore
Observations (0700-0800) proved slow with only 55 Sandwich Tern, 41 Gannet, 31 Common Scoter, 8 Manx Shearwater, 6 Arctic Tern, 3 Puffin and 2 Common Tern logged.
Diurnal Migration
A loose flock of 8 Swift moved through.

Another Velvet Scoter

1st June 2019 – overcast/misty/rain later V1
Offshore
Observations (0630-0730) were led by a single Velvet Scoter amongst 180 Common Scoter. Also seen were 60 Sandwich Tern, 13 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only migrant logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The two Wigeon remain.
Breeding Birds
A pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker have fledged two juveniles – only the second ever breeding record for the island.