Hooded Crow still in residence

30th September 2019 – sunny spells/rain by evening V1
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was limited to just a few species with 58 Goldcrest, 50 Robin, 15 Chiffchaff, 12 Stonechat and a Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move in the light winds with 660 Skylark, 370 Pink-footed Goose, 290 Meadow Pipit, 110 Chaffinch, 80 Linnet, 70 Pied Wagtail, 17 Tree Sparrow, 16 Swallow, 8 Reed Bunting, 8 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 31 moths of 12 species were attracted overnight with Rush Veneer and Large Wainscot new for the year.

Brent Geese continue to build

29th September 2019 – rain, rain, rain NE2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
Little field work in the atrocious conditions with just 100 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 500 Wigeon logged.

Great Northern Diver

28th September 2019 – early rain clearing to sunny spells W5/4/3
Offshore
Observations as the rain cleared (0800-1000) produced 130 Common Scoter, 26 Razorbill, 23 Kittiwake, 20 Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Skua and a Great Northern Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only 3 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 89 pale-bellied birds with a high percentage of juveniles indicating a good breeding season. Waders included 5000 Oystercatcher and 4000 Knot.

Brent Geese begin to build

27th September 2019 – frequent heavy showers SSW3
Offshore
Observations before the showers (0730-0830) produced 425 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Only 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged in the adverse conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 34 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds waders included 1350 Curlew, 480 Golden Plover, 300 Turnstone, 220 Ringed Plover, 108 Grey Plover and single Whimbrel and Greenshank.

Latish Whimbrel

26th September 2019 – frequent heavy showers SW3/4
Offshore
Observations between the showers (0730-0830) produced 210 Common Scoter, 69 Razorbill, 25 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Many of yesterdays had clearly moved on with just 7 Goldcrest 4 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 7000 Oystercatcher, 4200 Knot, 18 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.

Fall conditions at last

25th September 2019 – early drizzle then sunny spells V1/2
Grounded Migrants
As the early morning drizzle began to clear it was apparent that a fall of migrants had occurred. Chiffchaff and Goldcrest dominated with 55 and 50 birds respectively but also logged were 45 Robin, 9 Stonechat, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
The drizzle put a dampener on visible migration with just 80 Skylark, 55 Meadow Pipit, 18 Pied Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Swallow and 2 Collared Dove logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4000 Knot and 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and single Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Admiral and Painted Lady remain on the wing. A total of 59 moths of 20 species attracted overnight with Red-line Quaker, Red-green Carpet and Green-brindled Crescent new for the year.

Offshore sightings dominate

24th September 2019 – overcast/showers then rain E1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide and before the rain set in (0730-0930) produced 535 Common Scoter, 125 Gannet, 24 Red-throated Diver, 11 Razorbill, 4 Pintail, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Very little evidence of any newly grounded birds with just 2 Goldcrest seen.
Diurnal Migration
Again very little evidence of movement with only a few Meadow Pipit logged.

Latish Sandwich Terns

23rd September 2019 – sunny spells SSW2/3 then SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 33 Gannet, 25 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Goldcrest and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Few birds were moving against the head wind with just 100 Meadow Pipit, 33 Skylark and 3 Grey Wagtail logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The warm overnight temperatures saw more moth activity than of late with 68 of 20 species attracted overnight. A Yellow-line Quaker was new for the year while immigrants involved 4 Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass.

The weather dominates

22nd September 2019 – rain/heavy at times E4
Offshore
Observations over the sea between the bands of rain (0900-1100) produced 215 Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the inclement conditions Pink-footed Geese remained on the move with 240 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Ringed Plover.

Diurnal migration dominates

21st September 2019 - bright and sunny E5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 28 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Again few grounded birds were noted in the clear conditions with just single Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the fresh wind birds remained on the move along the leeward side of the island. This mornings totals involved 905 Pink-footed Geese, 500 Swallow, 400 Meadow Pipit, 90 House Martin, 60 Skylark, 50 Pied Wagtail, 50 Linnet and 18 Sand Martin.

More of the same again!

20th September 2019 - bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 5 Pintail, 4 Shag and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Only a few grounded birds were noted in the clear conditions including: 20 Robin, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were on the move through the morning and totals involved 1840 Meadow Pipit, 410 Pink-footed Goose, 180 Linnet, 110 Swallow, 65 Pied Wagtail, 18 Grey Wagtail, 5 Blue Tit and 3 Reed Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest
Butterflies and Moths
At total of 18 moths of 11 species were attracted overnight with Black Rustic new for the year.

More of the same!

19th September 2019 – overcast then bright and sunny V1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 6 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Only a few grounded birds were noted including: 9 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear and single Blackcap and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Birds remain on the move although totals were reduced on yesterday with 250 Meadow Pipit, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Grey Wagtail, 40 Skylark, 20 Chaffinch, 5 Swallow and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were the best of the rest

First Brent Geese arrive

18th September 2019 – overcast NE1
Offshore
The sea provided 7 Shag, 10 Common Scoter and 7 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included: 50 Robin, 16 Goldcrest, 14 Stonechat, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Whinchat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and a Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Variety was the order of the day with 1100 Meadow Pipit, 625 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Skylark, 105 Linnet, 70 Swallow, 40 Grey Wagtail, 28 Pied Wagtail, 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Sand Martin, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Rook, 2 Buzzard and a late Swift logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Brent Geese have returned with 19 pale-bellied birds logged. Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 1000 Redshank, 300 Turnstone, 18 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest

A quieter day under clear skies

17th September 2019 – bright and sunny NNW2/3
Offshore
A single scan of the sea revealed 6 Shag and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
The bright and clear conditions provided few grounded migrants involved with just 7 Goldcrest and 2 Blackbird logged.
Diurnal Migration
Quieter than yesterday with 520 Pink-footed Geese, 300 Meadow Pipit, 24 Swallow, 21 Chaffinch, 20 Skylark, 16 Tree Sparrow, 12 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest

Pink-footed Geese pour south

16th September 2019 – sunny spells V1 then WNW3
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 17 Goldcrest, 14 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese dominated the skies through the morning with 1805 birds logged, also seen were 800 Meadow Pipit, 80 Skylark, 65 Swallow, 28 Grey Wagtail, 18 Chaffinch, 9 Tree Sparrow and single House Martin and Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 1200 Redshank, 500 Knot, 200 Turnstone, 14 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest

Migration stalls

15th September 2019 – overcast/drizzle at times NW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 67 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull. The Black Guillemot was again along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Birds were sparse with just 6 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and single Whitethroat and White Wagtail logged .
Diurnal Migration
Limited to a solitary Grey Wagtail amongst a few Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 12 Wigeon and 6 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
Seven members of the “crow family” were recorded on the island with 5 Jay, 4 Rook, 2 Raven and a Hooded Crow seen along with Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Magpie. Single Merlin, Buzzard and Little Owl were the best of the rest

Diurnal migration dominates sightings

14th September 2019 – sunny spells ESE2/3 then SW2/3
Offshore
At high tide the Black Guillemot was still in residence off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were again evident with 16 White Wagtail, 8 Stonechat, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move early morning with 1000 Meadow Pipit, 90 Skylark, 85 Swallow, 14 Grey Wagtail, 12 Linnet. 7 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 3 Chaffinch and single Mistle Thrush and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.

Migration restarts

13th September 2019 – sunny spells NNE1 then WNW2/3
Offshore
At high tide the Black Guillemot was still in residence off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were evident with 8 Goldcrest, 6 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were on the move early morning with 680 Meadow Pipit, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 36 Grey Wagtail, 28 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 12 Tree Sparrow and a Sand Martin seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine remain the best of the rest.

Still looking at the sea!

12th September 2019 – overcast, mizzle/murk soon SSW4/5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the rising tide prior to the rain (0700-0800) produced 115 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 12 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and single Kittiwake, and Manx Shearwater. In addition high tide saw the long-staying Black Guillemot again off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Blackcap was all that could be mustered.
Diurnal Migration
Three Grey Wagtail moved through before the weather closed in.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Back looking at the sea!

11th September 2019 – early rain clearing WSW4
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain cleared through (0830-1030) produced 125 Razorbill, 100 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 17 Red-throated Diver, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 4 Fulmar, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear were seen.

Black Guillemot still in residence

10th September 2019 – sunny spells N1 then WNW3
Offshore
The juvenile Black Guillemot continues to linger off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and single Wheatear, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move early morning with 500 Meadow Pipit, 50 Grey Wagtail, 6 Swallow and single Tree Sparrow, Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 9 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler and a Pintail.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
At total of 60 moths of 18 species were attracted overnight with Lunar Underwing new for the year.

Black Guillemot remains

9th September 2019 – rain/mizzle/murk SE2
Offshore
The juvenile Black Guillemot continues to linger off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Few grounded birds were present, however single Yellow Wagtail and Chiffchaff were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Greenshank and 3 Shoveler were amongst 120 Teal.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Early morning Osprey

8th September 2019 –sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Highlight over the sea involved 2 first-winter Mediterranean Gulls, also seen were 17 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were seen including 10 Robin, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey drifted down the maritime shore at 0700hrs and a Buzzard flew east at 1700hrs. Also seen were 500 Meadow Pipit, 280 Swallow, 90 Skylark, 32 Grey Wagtail, 28 alba Wagtail, 26 Tree Sparrow, 12 Tree Pipit, 10 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Greenshank and 3 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Passerine migration kicks off

7th September 2019 – overcast then sunny spells NNE1 then WNW2/3
Grounded Migrants
Variety was the order of the day with 13 Robin, 12 Wheatear, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
After the unsettled conditions so far this month birds were finally on the move in the tranquil conditions with 1150 Meadow Pipit, 450 Swallow, 160 Pink-footed Geese, 56 Grey Wagtail, 51 Skylark, 17 alba Wagtail, 16 Tree Sparrow, 14 House Martin, 9 Tree Pipit and a Yellow Wagtail recorded.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 2 Raven and a Little Owl.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies were on the wing in the calm conditions with Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Comma, Small Copper, Peacock, Small White and Small Tortoiseshell all putting in an appearance.

A few seabirds

6th September 2019 – overcast/showers WSW6/7/8
Offshore
Prolonged observations over the sea on the falling tide (0730-1030) provided variety but little in the way of quality with just 106 Common Scoter, 15 Razorbill, 12 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 8 Kittiwake, 7 Sandwich Tern, 4 Guillemot and single Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Little Tern and Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.

First Pink-footed Geese of the autumn

5th September 2019 – sunshine and showers NW4/5/6
Offshore
Common Scoters were again on the move early morning (0700-0800) with 280 birds logged, also seen were 6 Gannet, 6 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Fulmar, Red-breasted Merganser and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Migrants involved 11 Robin, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Yellow Wagtail, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
The first 10 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn flew through and additional sightings included 50 Meadow Pipit, 10 Grey Wagtail and 2 Tree Pipit .
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Velvet Scoter and Hooded Crow

4th September 2019 – sunshine and heavy showers W4/5/6/7
Offshore
Common Scoters were again on the move early morning (0700-0800) with 260 birds logged, amongst which was a male Velvet Scoter. In addition, totals of 16 Gannet, 5 Fulmar, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Guillemot and Kittiwake were the sum of several checks of the sea through the day.
Grounded Migrants
Birds were still on the move despite the weather conditions with 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Willow Warbler and Yellow Wagtail logged.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 61 moths of 20 species were attracted overnight with immigrants involving a couple of Silver Y.

Miserable conditions

3rd September 2019 –mist/murk/drizzle SW4
Offshore
Morning observations (1000-1100) saw 7 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag and single Arctic Tern and Manx Shearwater emerge through the murk.
Grounded Migrants
Fieldwork in the miserable conditions was rewarded with just 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and single Blackcap, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Velvet Scoter

2nd September 2019 – overcast/rain soon WSW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0830) produced a male Velvet Scoter amongst 1020 Common Scoter, along with 43 Gannet, 41 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 25 Shelduck, 6 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Kittiwake, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was seen.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Low key start to the month

1st September 2019 – sunny spells W5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 400 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Razorbill and single Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Red-throated Diver. In addition the juvenile and adult Black Guillemot were still off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 32 Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 53 moths of 15 species were attracted overnight with immigrants involving Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.