Leach’s Petrels and Black Guillemots

31st August 2019 – overcast/rain soon/then showers S5/6/7 then W5/4
Offshore
Early morning observations prior to the rain (0700-0800) produced just 10 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater and an adult Black Guillemot. A second period of observations (1100-1200) as the rain cleared to showers and the wind switched added 33 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 11 Sandwich Tern, 4 Guillemot, 4 Pintail, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Leach’s Petrel, 2 Fulmar and an Arctic Skua. In addition 3800 Eider and 2 Black Guillemot (adult + juvenile) were off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 32 Wigeon and 3 Shoveler while 300 Turnstone, 7 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders.

Great Skua and Shag

30th August 2019 – overcast/rain soon SW6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations prior to the rain (0700-0800) produced 29 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 4 Fulmar, 3 Razorbill and single Shag, Great Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.

Early morning seabirds

29th August 2019 – sunny spells SW4/5/6
Offshore
The sea was more productive than of late with early morning observations on the rising tide (0700-0900) producing 675 Common Scoter, 115 Gannet, 37 Manx Shearwater, 23 Sandwich Tern, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Skua and single Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants were limited to 2 Wheatear and single Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Shoveler were amongst 58 Teal and waders included 1000 Redshank, 21 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A total of 32 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

A rain interrupted day

28th August 2019 – rain clearing later SSW3/4
Offshore
The sea provided just 24 Common Scoter, 21 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were amongst 52 Teal and waders included 4 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A total of 20 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Little Gull, Marsh Harrier and Green Sandpiper

27th August 2019 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with just 23 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet and 2 Sandwich Tern logged early morning. Later a flock of 9 Little Gull (4 adults + 5 juveniles) flew high west over the island and into the Irish Sea.
Grounded Migrants
Variety rather than quantity with 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single White Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew north over the island at 1200hrs and additional sightings involved totals of 180 Swallow, 120 Meadow Pipit, 105 Tree Sparrow, 40 Tree Pipit, 40 Linnet, 33 Grey Wagtail, 30 Pied Wagtail, 10 House Martin, 7 Sand Martin, 4 Reed Bunting and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 70 Sanderling, 4 Whimbrel and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and single Peregrine and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 112 moths of 25 species were attracted overnight with Frosted Orange new for the year. Immigrants involved 15 Rusty Dot Pearl.

Wildfowl begin to arrive

26th August 2019 – overcast/murky start, sunny spells later V1/2
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with just 12 Sandwich Tern, 10 Common Scoter and 9 Gannet logged.
Grounded Migrants
Very few grounded birds were in evidence with just 4 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Whinchat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 360 Swallow, 40 Meadow Pipit, 11 Tree Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 41 Teal, 8 Wigeon and a Pintail. Waders included 11 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 118 moths of 39 species were attracted overnight with Canary-shouldered Thorn new for the year. Immigrants involved 19 Rusty Dot Pearl.

Hooded Crow and Pied Flycatcher

25th August 2019 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
Quiet over the sea with just 22 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Scoter and a Gannet logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were in evidence including 12 Willow Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, 5 Sedge Warbler, 5 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and single Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again on the move with 1000 Swallow, 57 Sand Martin and 17 House Martin recorded. Also seen were 116 Tree Sparrow, 20 Tree Pipit, 20 Meadow Pipit, 17 Pied Wagtail, 15 Grey Wagtail, 4 Swift, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Mediterranean Gull

24th August 2019 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Although a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was seen it was generally quiet over the sea with just 8 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet and 4 Little Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
The bright and sunny conditions saw grounded birds at a premium with just 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were on the move with 135 Swallow, 18 House Martin and 12 Sand Martin recorded. Also seen were 12 Grey Wagtail, 9 Tree Sparrow and 6 Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 230 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 60 moths of 25 species were attracted overnight with Buff Footman new for the year. Immigrants involved 4 Rusty Dot Pearl and 2 Silver Y.

Black Guillemot

23rd August 2019 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Slightly more productive than of late over the sea (0700-0800) with 202 Common Scoter, 41 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Tern logged. Later, the eastern shore provided 5030 Eider and single Black Guillemot and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and moths
A total of 51 moths of 22 species were attracted overnight with Feathered Gothic new for the year. Immigrants involved Silver Y and Rusty Dot Pearl.

Another CR Cormorant

22nd August 2019 – rain SW3/4
Offshore
Despite the protestations of weather forecasters the rain was set in for the day and observations over the sea provided just 4 Gannet
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Ringing
Checking for colour-ringed birds has proved profitable recently and today’s offering was a Cormorant originally ringed at Stack Mooar, Isle of Man on 4th June 2012.

CR Cormorant reveals origins

21st August 2019 – sunny spells SSW3, rain by evening
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided just 164 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remained at a premium with just 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Yellow Wagtail and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move early morning including 12 Sand Martin and a Tree Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Ringing
A Cormorant seen on the island on 20th August 2019 had been ringed at Puffin Island, Anglesey on 22nd June 2019.

Sanderling controls

20th August 2019 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided just 43 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet. At high tide 5 Little Tern fed along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 5 Sedge Warbler, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Ringing
Details of a couple of colour-ringed Sanderling seen on the island on 29th April 2019 have just been received, they had been ringed at Ron’s, O Grove, Pontevedra, Spain on 10th January 2018 and 17th January 2019 respectively.

Arctic Skua

19th August 2019 – sunny spells and showers WSW4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 57 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Fulmar. At high tide 8 Little Tern fed along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Just 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 900 Knot and 17 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 33 Little Egret were seen and raptors included a Peregrine.

Great and Arctic Skua

18th August 2019 – sunny spells SW5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0930 & 1400-1600) provided totals of 83 Gannet, 54 Common Scoter, 38 Manx Shearwater, 16 Sandwich Tern, 6 Kittiwake, 4 Fulmar, 2 Great Skua and single Shag, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A total of 30 Little Egret were seen and raptors included 4 Sparrowhawk and a Merlin.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap failed to attract many moth, however, a field record of Vapourer would appear to be the first island record.

Great Skua

17th August 2019 – sunny spells WSW5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730 & 1030-1130) provided totals of 50 Gannet, 35 Common Scoter, 31 Manx Shearwater, 8 Fulmar, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Shelduck, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Great Skua and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher and a Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling and 7 Black-tailed Godwit.

Turnstone from the Canadian Arctic

16th August 2019 – rain/heavy at times S4/5
Ringing
Although the heavy rain washed out the days play details were received for a colour marked Turnstone seen on the island on 12th August 2019 which had previously been ringed at Grise Fjord, Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic on 31st May 2018.

Arctic Skua

15th August 2019 – early showers WNW6/7/8
Offshore
Slightly more productive over the sea (0630-07300) compared to recent mornings with 52 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 27 Manx Shearwater, 18 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Yellow Wagtail were amongst 34 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A total of 33 Little Egret were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 52 of 20 species with Svensson’s Copper Underwing new for the year.

Rain stopped play

14th August 2019 – rain SE3
Offshore
Only 3 Gannet troubled the scorers.
Miscellaneous
A total of 29 Little Egret were seen.

Osprey and Marsh Harrier

13th August 2019 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
The monotony of early morning observations (0630-0730) was only broken by 9 Sandwich Tern and 6 Gannet. High tide produced 8 Little Tern fishing off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Yellow Wagtail were seen and diversity was provided by 12 Sedge Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler and a Reed Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Four Tree Pipit and 3 Tree Sparrow were amongst a trickle of Swallow and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 330 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
Raptors were well represented with a juvenile Marsh Harrier (0800 & 1030), Osprey (1030) and a Merlin logged.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Painted Ladies remain and the moth trap only held 59 of 18 species, although both Sallow and Herald were new for the year.

Oystercatcher origins revealed

12th August 2019 – sun and showers NW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 7 Gannet, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Kittiwake. At high tide 7 Little Tern fed along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 7 Sedge Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 20 Tree Sparrow were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank amongst 750 Redshank.
Ringing
A colour marked Oystercatcher was originally ringed on its nesting grounds near Reykjavik, Iceland.

Black Guillemot and Osprey

11th August 2019 – overcast/rain clearing W4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 126 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and an Arctic Skua. Later observations (1200-1300), as the rain finally relented, added 215 Manx Shearwater, 29 Gannet, 14 Sandwich Tern, 2 Fulmar and a Kittiwake. In addition, high tide provided 16 Little Tern and a Black Guillemot along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey fished along the eastern shore at high tide.
Ringing
A colour marked adult Sandwich Tern seen on 10th August 2019 had previously been ringed at Lady Island Lake, Wexford on 16th June 2015 and in the interim period has also been recorded near Swakopmund, Namibia.

Sandwich Tern origins revealed

10th August 2019 – overcast/rain/showers SSW5/6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0845) were much hampered by rain which at times reduced visibility to practically zero. However, 305 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 15 Manx Shearwater, 7 Sandwich Tern and single Arctic Tern and Fulmar were logged. The high tide tern roost added a further 100 Sandwich Tern and single Common Tern and Little Tern
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 3 Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank.
Ringing
A colour marked juvenile Sandwich Tern seen on 28th July 2019 had previously been ringed at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey on 18th June 2019.

Cormorant origins revealed

9th August 2019 – early rain clearing to sun and showers SE6/5/4/3
Offshore
Another very quiet morning over the sea (0630-0730) with just a few Sandwich Tern, Common Scoter and Gannet recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 10 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Blackcap and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Dunlin, 20 Turnstone and 6 Knot.
Ringing
Two colour ringed Cormorants had previously been ringed at Puffin Island, Anglesey on 18th June 2011 and Denny Island, Bristol Channel on 7th June 2015.

Wood Sandpiper

8th August 2019 – sunny spells WNW2
Offshore
A very quiet morning over the sea (0630-0730) with just a few Sandwich Tern, Common Scoter and Gannet recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 14 Sedge Warbler, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Blackcap and a Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 18 Tree Sparrow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Wood Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 137 of 34 species with Bordered Beauty new for the year.

Marsh Harrier

7th August 2019 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
Another quiet day over the sea (0630-0730) with just 25 Common Scoter, 6 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet, 5 Little Tern, 3 Common Tern and an Arctic Skua logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted the island.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Ladies were much reduced in number with just 100 logged.

Black Guillemot

6th August 2019 – overcast/showers SSW4
Offshore
Given the seemingly ideal conditions over the sea early for morning observations (0630-0730) it was disappointingly quiet with just 58 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 16 Sandwich Tern, 4 Fulmar and single Manx Shearwater and Black Guillemot.

Arctic Skua and Merlin

5th August 2019 – early showers then bright and sunny SW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 141 Manx Shearwater, 63 Common Scoter, 53 Sandwich Tern, 445 Gannet, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Skua, Kittiwake and Tufted Duck.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Stonechat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Another Tree Sparrow was logged.
Miscellaneous
Both Peregrine and Merlin were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Ladies were reduced in number and new for the year in the moth trap was Rhomboid Tortrix.

First Merlin of the autumn

4th August 2019 – sunny spells and thundery showers SE3/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 47 Common Scoter, 42 Manx Shearwater, 16 Gannet and 16 Sandwich Tern. Later, the high tide added 8 Little Tern,3 Common Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 9 Swift flew through amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Goosander were seen and waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and 3 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the first of the autumn.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Ladies remained abundant and the moth trap held 534 of 59 species with Grass Emerald, Flame Carpet and Six-striped Rustic all new for the year.

Green Sandpiper

3rd August 2019 – hazy sun SE3/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 94 Common Scoter, 22 Sandwich Tern, 14 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 11 Willow Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtail and single Garden Warbler and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
The skies provided 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2250 Curlew, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Ladies remained abundant and the moth trap held Willow Beauty and Square Spot Rustic - both new for the year.

Wood Sandpiper and Black Guillemot

2nd August 2019 – sunny spells ENE1/2
Offshore
The sea provided more variety than of late (0615-0715) with 80 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern, 54 Manx Shearwater, 30 Kittiwake, 17 Gannet, 3 Little Tern and single Shag and Black Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were represented by 41 Willow Warbler, 20 Sedge Warbler, 18 Whitethroat, 6 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail and single Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 3 Swift, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Tree Pipit and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 144 Turnstone, 10 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and single Wood Sandpiper.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawker are now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
Another Painted Lady invasion, the most spectacular to date, saw 6345 logged along with 34 Red Admiral. The moth trap held 193 of 51 species with Hedge Rustic new for the year.

Autumn passage begins to build

1st August 2019 – sunny spells NNW3
Offshore
The day started quietly over the sea (0700-0800) with just 56 Common Scoter, 44 Sandwich Tern and 35 Gannet logged. A flock of 90 Sandwich Tern and 22 Little Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
A Treecreeper – the fourth of the autumn, was amongst 40 Willow Warbler, 10 Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat and a Spotted Flycatcher .
Diurnal Migration
The first Tree Pipit of the autumn flew over along with 20 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Mammals
Two Weasels were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Although 300 Painted Lady were seen the majority of the influx from several days ago appear to have moved on. The moth trap attracted 222 of 40 species with immigrants represented by 4 Silver Y, 3 Diamond-back Moth and a Rusty Dot Pearl.