Bonxies, Velvet Scoter and Goosander

31st May 2022 – sun and showers/calm then NW2/3
Offshore
Rain interrupted early morning observations on the rising tide (0600-0830) were led by 2 Great Skua and single Velvet Scoter and Goosander. Also seen were 505 Sandwich Tern, 87 Manx Shearwater, 82 Common Scoter, 38 Gannet, 17 Kittiwake, 4 Little Tern, 4 Guillemot, 2 Common Tern and single Arctic Tern and Red-throated Diver
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains along with 4 hybrid young and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Shelducklings and Eiderlings have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 106 moths of 26 species including Poplar Hawkmoth, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and the nationally scarce White Colon. Both Swan-feathered Dwarf and Bramble-shoot Moth were new for the year.

Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern dominate seawatch

30th May 2022 – overcast/showers NNW2
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0930) were dominated by Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern with 1285 and 700 birds respectively. The supporting cast included 78 Guillemot, 35 Gannet, 17 Razorbill, 15 Manx Shearwater, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Puffin, 3 Little Tern, 3 Fulmar and 2 Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

Another quiet day

29th May 2022 – bright and sunny N2 then WNW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0930) were again quieter than of late but still revealed 330 Common Scoter, 215 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet and single Arctic Tern, Shag, Puffin and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher showed that spring migration is not yet complete.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Sanderling, 34 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Grey Plover and a Whimbrel while the first Curlew have already begun to return with 60 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 114 moths of 24 species with Thistle Ermine, Pebble Prominent, Common Marbled Carpet and Ingrailed Clay all new for the year.

Mediterranean Gulls

28th May 2022 – bright and sunny N2 then WNW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0530-0630) were quieter than of late but still revealed 350 Sandwich Tern, 43 Gannet, 33 Guillemot, 28 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Tern, 3 Razorbill and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear were seen.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 2 second-year Mediterranean Gull were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterfly sightings included 20 Small Heath and 14 Wall Brown; two species recently added to the “nationally vulnerable” list.

More Arctic Skuas and Puffins

27th May 2022 – bright start, cloudy later WNW5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0630-0830) produced 150 Guillemot, 145 Gannet, 132 Razorbill, 120 Sandwich Tern, 106 Manx Shearwater, 50 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Little Tern and single Puffin and Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Sanderling, 150 Dunlin, 60 Ringed Plover and 31 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 4 hybrid young are now in the area.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 172 moths of 29 species with Small Square-spot and Treble Lines the dominant species and Elephant Hawk Moth, Common Wainscot, Mottled Rustic, Turnip Moth and the nationally scarce Sand Dart new for the year.

Arctic Skuas and Puffins

26th May 2022 – overcast, showers/rain clearing WSW5
Offshore
Morning observations either side of the rain band moving through (0600-0700 & 1015-1115) provided totals of 320 Manx Shearwater, 165 Gannet, 120 Sandwich Tern, 105 Guillemot, 42 Common Scoter, 24 Kittiwake, 21 Razorbill, 4 Fulmar, 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and single Little Tern, Red-throated Diver and Little Egret.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader numbers are much depleted but included 120 Dunlin, 26 Ringed Plover, 13 Grey Plover, 4 Knot and 2 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

Great Skua and Puffins

25th May 2022 – early rain, brighter later SW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea as the rain cleared (0945-1045) produced 300 Manx Shearwater, 175 Guillemot, 106 Gannet, 33 Razorbill, 22 Sandwich Tern, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Puffin, 3 Fulmar and a Great Skua.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

Seabirds continue to dominate

23rd May 2022 – overcast WSW3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0900) produced 900 Manx Shearwater, 440 Guillemot, 250 Sandwich Tern, 175 Gannet, 91 Common Scoter, 74 Kittiwake, 63 Razorbill, 6 Puffin, 3 Shag, 3 Fulmar, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Tern, Common Tern and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
The first 2 Swift have finally arrived at breeding sites on the centre of the island.

Arctic Skuas and Puffins

22nd May 2022 – overcast/showers SSW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0830) revealed 620 Manx Shearwater, 350 Guillemot, 175 Common Scoter, 76 Sandwich Tern, 21 Razorbill, 20 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua (dark morph) and single Fulmar and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds than of late with 4 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Dunlin, 120 Ringed Plover and 24 Knot.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 112 moths of 19 species with Pale-shouldered Brocade new for the year.

Pomarine Skua, Velvet Scoter and Puffins

21st May 2022 – bright start then overcast WSW3
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea (0600-1000) on the falling tide were led by a pale morph Pomarine Skua heading low into the bay at 0745hrs along with a female Velvet Scoter and 6 Puffin. Also seen were 505 Sandwich Tern, 445 Manx Shearwater, 275 Guillemot, 102 Kittiwake, 100 Common Scoter, 51 Razorbill, 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to trickle in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 95 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

First Common Terns appear

20th May 2022 – sunny spells WSW3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0800) were led by the first 2 Common Tern of the year. Also seen were 195 Manx Shearwater, 190 Guillemot, 150 Sandwich Tern, 60 Gannet, 35 Common Scoter, 28 Kittiwake, 21 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow are still moving through, amongst which was a single House Martin and Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 87 moths of 21 species with London Dowd, Large Yellow Underwing, Dusky Brocade and the nationally scarce Shore Wainscot new for the year.

Diminishing returns

19th May 2022 – sunny spells WSW3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0800) continued to provide diminishing returns in regard to variety although 360 Guillemot, 210 Manx Shearwater, 140 Sandwich Tern, 115 Gannet, 54 Kittiwake, 31 Razorbill, 22 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver and Fulmar were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow are still moving through, amongst which was a single House Martin.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 6 Raven were logged.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly are now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
A Dingy Skipper wase the pick of the butterfly sightings and the moth trap attracted Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y - both new for the year along with a field record of Burnet Companion.

Even the seabirds failed to perform

18th May 2022 – hazy with sunny spells SSW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0600-0800) continued to provide though the variety of species was reduced with 180 Guillemot, 150 Gannet, 65 Sandwich Tern, 46 Razorbill, 41 Manx Shearwater, 37 Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and 4 Red-breasted Merganser logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to move through.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 92 moths of 25 species with the nationally scarce White Colon along with Heart and Dart, Purple-bar and Setaceous Hebrew Character - all new for the year.

Seabirds continue to provide main interest

17th May 2022 – sunny spells SE3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0830) continued to provide interest with 275 Guillemot, 210 Sandwich Tern, 135 Gannet, 34 Razorbill, 30 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 12 Manx Shearwater, 4 Little Tern, 4 Puffin, 3 Shag, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Tufted Duck and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first few Teal have already begun to return and waders included 1100 Oystercatcher, 600 Dunlin, 200 Sanderling, 150 Turnstone and 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
A family party of Raven was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 95 moths of 23 species with Diamond-backed Moth, Lychnis, Common Swift, Clouded-bordered Brindle and White Ermine all new for the year.

Puffins and Black Guillemot

15th May 2022 – overcast then sunny spells E2/3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0830) produced 245 Common Scoter, 170 Sandwich Tern, 50 Guillemot, 43 Gannet, 30 Manx Shearwater, 9 Puffin, 9 Razorbill, 7 Arctic Tern, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Little Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and single Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to move through with 50 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 25 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
The number of territorial Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat has increased in the last few days.

Hooded Crow doubles up

14th May 2022 – hazy sun/calm
Offshore
Observers were met with calm seas early morning and observations (0630-0830) revealed 103 Manx Shearwater, 85 Sandwich Tern, 53 Gannet, 43 Common Scoter, 32 Guillemot, 23 Kittiwake, 11 Razorbill, 3 Puffin, 2 Arctic Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were scarce but included 56 Sanderling and 23 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was again joined by a second individual and a walk around the less often visited north end of the island revealed a total of 79 species including eight species of warbler.
Breeding Birds
The first Ringed Plover chicks were seen and Coal Tit are now feeding young.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 13 species of butterfly was logged in the afternoon sunshine including Dingy Skipper, Small Heath and Wall Brown – all new for the year.

More Arctic Skuas

13th May 2022 – overcast SW4/5
Offshore
The weather conditions were once again conducive for an extended seawatch on the rising tide (0600-1000) which again provided for variety with 1350 Manx Shearwater, 495 Guillemot, 415 Gannet, 136 Sandwich Tern, 69 Kittiwake, 62 Razorbill, 62 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 9 Arctic Tern, 4 Arctic Skua (3 dark, 1 pale), 4 Little Tern, 4 Fulmar and 2 Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 240 Dunlin and 50 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Raven was the best of the rest.

Arctic Skuas

12th May 2022 – overcast then sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
Another morning when observations over the sea (0615-1015) dominated sightings. While there was no quality today both quantity and variety remained with 530 Manx Shearwater, 445 Kittiwake, 435 Guillemot, 190 Sandwich Tern, 140 Gannet, 70 Razorbill, 34 Common Scoter, 15 Arctic Tern, 9 Puffin, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Tern, 4 Arctic Skua, 2 Fulmar and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
The slow trickle of Swallow coming in of the sea continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

Roseate Tern

11th May 2022 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Another morning when extended observations over the sea (0615-1015) were in the order of the day. The highlight was a Roseate Tern heading slowly into the bay at 0730hrs. In addition, the sea remained busy in both quantity and variety with 675 Manx Shearwater, 610 Guillemot, 530 Kittiwake, 245 Gannet, 71 Razorbill. 71 Sandwich Tern, 61 Common Scoter, 9 Arctic Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Puffin, 3 Little Tern, 3 Great Skua, 2 Fulmar and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear provided the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Knot and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

Pomarine Skua

10th May 2022 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea on the falling tide (0630-1030) were highlighted by a pale morph Pomarine Skua flying low into the bay at 0805hrs. In addition, the sea was enlivened by the switch in the wind direction to the southwest and this provided both quantity and variety with 1055 Manx Shearwater, 900 Guillemot, 400 Gannet, 150 Sandwich Tern, 70 Kittiwake, 39 Razorbill, 29 Common Scoter, 22 Arctic Tern, 12 Puffin, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Fulmar, 3 Little Tern and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear provided the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 80 Sanderling and 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.

The sea continues to provide the main activity

9th May 2022 – overcast SSE3/4, rain later
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) again provided variety rather than quantity with 180 Sandwich Tern, 72 Guillemot, 70 Common Scoter, 51 Manx Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear and a Chiffchaff provided the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
The first Starling broods have already emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted Chinese Character, Ruby Tiger, Treble Lines, Pebble Prominent and Lime-speck Pug, all new for the year while a Feathered Leaf-cutter appears to be the first island record.

Auks 4, terns 3

8th May 2022 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0800) again provided variety rather than quantity with 160 Sandwich Tern, 60 Guillemot, 33 Manx Shearwater, 32 Gannet, 32 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Razorbill, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Puffin and single Black Guillemot, Little Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear provided the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 130 Pink-footed Geese headed north early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The two Hooded Crows (adult + second-year) both remain.
Breeding Birds
Reed Warbler are now present at two sites.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted a Small Elephant Hawkmoth.

First Redstart and Swift finally arrive

7th May 2022 – overcast/fog/mist clearing to sunny spells N1
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) again provided variety rather than quantity with 90 Guillemot, 70 Sandwich Tern, 46 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 21 Razorbill, 17 Kittiwake, 17 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern, 3 Puffin and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 14 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, 3 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Redstart – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail was amongst a further trickle of Swallow and 3 Swift were the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The two Hooded Crows (adult + second-year) both remain.
Breeding Birds
An increase in the number of territorial Sedge Warblers across the island has been noted in the last few days, however all other breeding warbler species remain below strength.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large White are now on the wing and 2 Red Admiral were seen. Attractions to the moth trap included Green Carpet, Garden Carpet, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and Red Twin-spot Carpet.

Black Guillemot headlines

6th May 2022 – overcast/mist/mizzle later SW2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0830) again provided variety rather than quantity with 320 Sandwich Tern, 160 Guillemot, 68 Gannet, 38 Manx Shearwater, 14 Razorbill, 13 Kittiwake, 13 Arctic Tern, 3 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Just 9 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll was amongst a continued trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Gadwall was new in and waders included 3 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains in residence and a second individual was seen.

Seabirds provide variety

5th May 2022 – overcast/showers clearing V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0830) provided variety rather than quantity with 310 Sandwich Tern, 200 Manx Shearwater, 73 Guillemot, 73 Gannet, 61 Kittiwake, 56 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, 12 Razorbill, 11 Puffin, and 4 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 7 Wheatear and two Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was amongst 40 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 19 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence.

First Spotted Flycatcher arrives

4th May 2022 – overcast/murky/rain clearing SW2 then WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning sightings over the sea in limited visibility produced 67 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 11 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Tufted Duck.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds on offer this morning with 13 Wheatear, 11 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat and single Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher logged – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 30 Sand Martin were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 1080 Knot and 8 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence.

Terns add offshore variety

3rd May 2022 – overcast/murky/rain clearing E1/2
Offshore
Morning sightings over the sea produced 190 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Scoter, 19 Arctic Tern, 12 Guillemot, 13 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Tern, 4 Kittiwake and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Yesterday’s grounded birds had quickly moved on with just 2 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
A further 70 Swallow moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Shoveler continue to linger and waders included 250 Knot, 14 Whimbrel and single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence.

Garden Warbler added to year list

2nd May 2022 – overcast/murky, brighter later N1
Offshore
Early morning sightings over the sea (0630-0730), again in poor visibility, produced 175 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gadwall.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall in the early morning murky conditions involved 60 Willow Warbler, 17 Wheatear, 9 Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Garden Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll were amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 21 Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence.

A wet morning

1st May 2022 – overcast/murk/mizzle S2
Offshore
Early morning sightings over the sea were hampered by low visibility which resulted in just 3 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet and a Red-breasted Merganser logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Whimbrel appeared out of the gloom.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence.
Breeding Birds
Lesser Whitethroat numbers continue to increase.