30th April 2022 – hazy sun SE1/2
Offshore
Early morning sightings over the sea (0630-0730) included 122 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 30 Guillemot, 5 Puffin, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwater and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Wheatear and single Yellow Wagtail and Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Six Lesser Redpoll and a House Martin were amongst a light Swallow passage.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Reed Warbler has now returned to breeding habitat and Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff numbers continue to build steadily while a territorial Goldcrest was unusal.
Dragonflies
The first Large Red Damselflies are now on the wing.
29th April 2022 – bright and sunny V1/2
Offshore
Early morning sightings over the sea (0630-0830) included the first 2 Little Tern of the year along with 100 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 18 Kittiwake, 11 Arctic Tern, 11 Guillemot, 8 Puffin, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater and single Arctic Skua, Shag and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 16 Wheatear, 11 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Three House Martin were amongst 50 Swallow – the best hirundine movement so far this spring.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1400 Dunlin, 106 Whimbrel, 5 Golden Plover and a Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Rustic Shoulder-knot was new for the year.
28th April 2022 – overcast ENE1/2
Offshore
Sightings over the sea on the rising tide (0630-0730) included 63 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 16 Arctic Tern, 14 Gannet, 9 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst an influx of 32 Wheatear, also seen were 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and single Grasshopper Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail was the pick of a very light passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 69 Whimbrel, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Golden Plover and a Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Shuttle-shaped Dart was new for the year.
27th April 2022 – sunny spells ENE1/2
Offshore
Sightings over the sea on the rising tide (0630-0730) included 235 Sandwich Tern, 100 Common Scoter, 60 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 11 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Yesterday’s Wheatear influx quickly moved on with just 9 birds logged. Also seen were 7 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 14 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a further trickle of Swallow was noted.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 18 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence.
26th April 2022 – sunny spells ENE1/2
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed 4 Gannet and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 2 Whinchat amongst 44 Wheatear and 5 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 150 Pink-footed Geese headed north and another House Martin was amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Shoveler were logged and waders included 4 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
25th April 2022 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea on the falling tide produced 205 Sandwich Tern, 150 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 16 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and single Puffin, Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds were evident than of late with 25 Wheatear, 14 Willow Warbler and single Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 200 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a House Martin was amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and 2 Snipe
24th April 2022 – hazy sun ENE4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea on the falling tide (0645-0845) produced 202 Sandwich Tern, 61 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 14 Razorbill, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Puffin, Fulmar and Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
Single Marsh Harrier and Greenland White-fronted Goose flew through and the slow trickle of Swallow continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
23rd April 2022 – hazy sun ENE4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0630-0830) produced 370 Sandwich Tern, 78 Razorbill, 57 Common Scoter, 30 Common Gull, 12 Red-throated Diver, 10 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Arctic Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Wheatear
Diurnal Migration
The slow trickle of Swallow continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel and the first Common Sandpiper of the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence and Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
22nd April 2022 – overcast then sunny spells ENE4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0645-0745) produced single Arctic Skua and Puffin. Also seen were 114 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 29 Gannet, 13 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear have finally begun to increase with 21 birds logged. Also seen were 2 White Wagtail and single Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 160 Pink-footed Geese and a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Cinnabar are now on the wing.
21st April 2022 – sunny spells E3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0615-0815) produced a further influx of Sandwich Tern with 340 birds logged. Also seen were 70 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet, 11 Red-throated Diver, 10 Manx Shearwater, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill and 4 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew north in the evening, otherwise limited to a trickle of Swallow and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still present.
Breeding Birds
Stonechats are now ensconced in territories.
20th April 2022 – hazy sun NE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 80 Common Scoter, 47 Sandwich Tern, 13 Gannet, 9 Red-throated Diver, 9 Guillemot and 3 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 1190 Pink-footed Geese flew north in the first hour after dawn, thereafter the skies were quiet excepting for the first Yellow Wagtail amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still present.
Breeding Birds
The first Mallard ducklings have now emerged and warblers are beginning to be more prominent with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap now widely, though thinly, distributed across the island.
19th April 2022 – bright and sunny/calm then W2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 100 Common Scoter, 18 Sandwich Tern, 14 Red-throated Diver, 11 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Wheatear, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 White Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 1645 Pink-footed Geese flew north in the first hour after dawn.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 132 light-bellied birds and waders included: 4120 Knot, 905 Redshank, 422 Turnstone, 170 Golden Plover, 25 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still present.
Butterflies and Moths
Small Copper, Green-veined White and Red Admiral were newly emerged in the spring sunshine.
18th April 2022 – overcast then sunny spells WSW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0645-0845) were highlighted by 3 Puffin and 2 Arctic Tern along with a strong passage of Common Scoter which produced 1650 birds. Additional sightings included: 68 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 40 Red-throated Diver, 12 Guillemot, 10 Kittiwake, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Razorbill and 6 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to a trickle of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still present.
Butterflies and Moths
Still quiet in the moth trap although Flame Shoulder and White-triangle Slender were new for the year.
17th April 2022 – overcast/murky then hazy sun ESE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the rising tide (1000-1100) revealed 217 Common Scoter, 49 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A further 1420 Pink-footed Geese headed north just after dawn otherwise the skies were quiet with just 7 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
The first Lesser Whitethroat are now back on territory.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
16th April 2022 – overcast/murky/calm then SE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea revealed 105 Common Scoter, 53 Sandwich Tern, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Red-throated Diver and 7 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Ring Ouzel remains and there was a slight increase in numbers and variety with 14 Wheatear, 12 Willow Warbler, 2 Fieldfare and single Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Whinchat – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were quiet with just 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Sand Martin and a Tree Pipit recorded – again the latter was the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two different Gadwall appeared and the Brent Goose flock contained 238 light-bellied birds. Waders included 1000 Knot, 4 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Mammals
Five Harbour Porpoise were offshore early morning.
15th April 2022 – sunny spells SE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations saw 43 Common Scoter, 28 Sandwich Tern, 26 Red-throated Diver, 11 Shag, 5 Gannet, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Manx Shearwater logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Ring Ouzel provided the highlight of the day, otherwise grounded birds were limited to 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A further 2800 Pink-footed Geese head north in the first hour after dawn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Gadwall were new in and waders included 200 Golden Plover and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 5 Jay were the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler are now in breeding habitat.
Butterflies and Moths
Small White, Orange-tip and Holly Blue were all on the wing in the warm sunshine and the moth trap attracted a Blossom Underwing.
14th April 2022 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations saw 150 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 21 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 5 Gannet, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of sightings saw 18 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff recorded.
Diurnal Migration
The first few hours after dawn saw a record-breaking spring movement of Pink-footed Geese with 12,330 birds recorded. Also seen were 10 Sand Martin and 5 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
An early Brown Silver-line was the first of the year.
13th April 2022 – overcast/murky/rain at times WSW2
Offshore
Early morning observations saw 50 Common Scoter, 18 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Shag appearing out of the gloom.
Grounded Migrants
Another slight improvement with 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
12th April 2022 – overcast/rain soon NE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) yielded 370 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 4 Guillemot and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Slightly better than of late with 6 Wheatear and 3 Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 265 Meadow Pipit flew through, amongst which, were 8 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and 2 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 625 Golden Plover, 500 Knot and single Whimbrel and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was joined by a second individual.
Ringing Recoveries
A colour-ringed Knot had previously been marked at Nigg, Highland, Scotland on 11th February 2021.
11th April 2022 – overcast ESE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) yielded 214 Common Scoter, 185 Sandwich Tern, 14 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were again on the move with 300 birds logged, additional sightings involved 155 Meadow Pipit, 3 Sand Martin and a Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Pintail continues to linger and waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Ringing Recoveries
A colour-ringed Turnstone had previously been marked at Llanrhystud, Aberystwyth, Wales on 4th November 2021 (208km SSW).
Butterflies and Moths
Powdered Quaker was new for the year.
10th April 2022 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0745) provided 345 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 18 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were on the move from first light with 2210 birds logged, otherwise movement was limited to 2 Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
The Otter proved to be very photogenic.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Speckled Wood was on the wing.
9th April 2022 – sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0815) were led by two Velvet Scoter heading into the bay and a second wave of Sandwich Tern which produced 240 birds. Also seen were 62 Common Scoter, 19 Gannet, 13 Red-throated Diver, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Razorbill, 5 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and Shag.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey was over the island at 1220hrs.
8th April 2022 – bright and frosty N1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 90 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-throated Diver, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Gannet and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a solitary Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 270 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
7th April 2022 – sun and showers WNW6/7 gusting to 53mph
Offshore
The switch of wind direction overnight meant that, as anticipated, morning observations (0730-0930) were disappointing with just 177 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Sandwich Tern and 3 Red-throated Diver recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence.
6th April 2022 – overcast WSW4/5/6
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0930) revealed 160 Gannet, 153 Common Scoter, 83 Kittiwake, 14 Red-throated Diver, 14 Razorbill, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Manx Shearwater, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Fulmar, 2 Scaup and single Arctic Skua and Goldeneye.
Breeding Birds
Two Coal Tit were nest building – an unusual event on the island.
Local News
The Cetti’s Warbler was again singing from the scrub beneath the electricity pylon along the northern shore of Ormsgill Reservoir.
5th April 2022 – overcast/murky/showers W3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 95 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet and an Arctic Skua.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Local News
A Cetti’s Warbler was singing from the scrub beneath the electricity pylon along the northern shore of Ormsgill Reservoir.
4th April 2022 – overcast/showers W3/4
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide produced 645 Common Scoter, 69 Gannet, 59 Red-throated Diver, 39 Razorbill, 36 Sandwich Tern, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 light-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Kittiwake and single Shag, Mediterranean Gull, Goldeneye and Fulmar.
3rd April 2022 –sunny spells/calm then W3
Offshore
A dawn check of the sea revealed a congregation of 10 Shag. Later observations on the rising tide (1000-1100) added 190 Common Scoter, 83 Sandwich Tern, 76 Kittiwake, 37 Gannet, 10 Red-throated Diver, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Whilst remaining slow, the first 2 Swallow flew through and a skein of 70 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 330 light-bellied birds and a Purple Sandpiper was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a total of 26 Little Egret were logged.
2nd April 2022 – early showers then sunny spells ENE2
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 127 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 5 light-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 6 Twite and 5 Jay were logged.
Breeding Birds
The first Blackcap are now on territory and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker hinted at a potential breeding attempt.
1st April 2022 – bright and frosty N1
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea revealed 40 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter, 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to three Goldcrest single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 10 Twite were logged.
Mammals
An Otter was seen.
