31st July 2022 – early rain then bright and sunny NW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0700-0900) provided 760 Common Scoter, 69 Manx Shearwater, 29 Sandwich Tern, 28 Gannet and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Founded in 1964, the work of Walney Bird Observatory is funded entirely by membership subscription. Since 1965 it has been an accredited member of the British Trust for Ornithology’s bird observatories network which operates across Britain and Ireland. Bird Observatories are at the forefront of conservation, monitoring bird populations through the medium of census work, daily recording of migrants and ringing.
Common Scoter dominate damp seawatch
30th July 2022 – overcast/rain/drizzle/murk SW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) during a slightly drier interlude produced 470 Common Scoter, 70 Manx Shearwater, 11 Sandwich Tern and 7 Gannet.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) during a slightly drier interlude produced 470 Common Scoter, 70 Manx Shearwater, 11 Sandwich Tern and 7 Gannet.
Four species of tern
29th July 2022 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced more variety than of late with 49 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, 11 Gannet, 4 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Common Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
An adult White Wagtail was amongst 52 Pied Wagtail while warblers involved 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler and 3 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 22 Greenshank and single Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains although several hybrids are now causing some identification issues.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 442 of 69 species with an influx of immigrants noted involving 12 Silver Y, 2 Diamond-backed Moth and single Rush Veneer, Rusty Dot Pearl and Bordered Straw. In addition, Scotch Smudge, Flounced Rustic, Grass Emerald, Tawny Shears, Phoenix and Pale Mottled Willow were new for the year.
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced more variety than of late with 49 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, 11 Gannet, 4 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Common Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
An adult White Wagtail was amongst 52 Pied Wagtail while warblers involved 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler and 3 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 22 Greenshank and single Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains although several hybrids are now causing some identification issues.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 442 of 69 species with an influx of immigrants noted involving 12 Silver Y, 2 Diamond-backed Moth and single Rush Veneer, Rusty Dot Pearl and Bordered Straw. In addition, Scotch Smudge, Flounced Rustic, Grass Emerald, Tawny Shears, Phoenix and Pale Mottled Willow were new for the year.
Reed Warbler moves through
28th July 2022 – overcast/showers ESE2/3
Grounded Migrants
The trickle continues with 4 Willow Warbler and single Reed Warbler and Tree Sparrow.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Targeted ringing of the local Sedge Warbler population suggests low breeding productivity with adults outnumbering juveniles.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle continues with 4 Willow Warbler and single Reed Warbler and Tree Sparrow.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Targeted ringing of the local Sedge Warbler population suggests low breeding productivity with adults outnumbering juveniles.
Treecreeper and Yellow Wagtail
27th July 2022 – sunny spells V1
Offshore
Although 300 Sandwich Tern were fishing offshore there was little evidence of movement other than single Shag, Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle continues with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Treecreeper logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of early movement with 5 Tree Sparrow and a Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral and the moth trap held 163 moths of 43 species with Six-striped Rustic new for the year.
Offshore
Although 300 Sandwich Tern were fishing offshore there was little evidence of movement other than single Shag, Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle continues with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Treecreeper logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of early movement with 5 Tree Sparrow and a Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Sanderling.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral and the moth trap held 163 moths of 43 species with Six-striped Rustic new for the year.
Waders continue to build
26th July 2022 – sunny spells NW2/3
Grounded Migrants
Warblers were limited to 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and a Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Unusually, a male Common Scoter was on the lagoons and waders included 21 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe amongst 550 Redshank and 200 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 2 Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers were limited to 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and a Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Unusually, a male Common Scoter was on the lagoons and waders included 21 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe amongst 550 Redshank and 200 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 2 Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.
Scoters, shearwaters and skuas
24th July 2022 – overcast then sunny spells SW4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 785 Common Scoter, 520 Manx Shearwater, 63 Sandwich Tern, 72 Gannet, 44 Razorbill, 7 Little Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gadwall and single Kittiwake and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants were limited to a single Robin, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 15 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The overnight wind and rain reduced the moth catch with just 213 of 43 species recorded, however, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Fan-foot were new for the year.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 785 Common Scoter, 520 Manx Shearwater, 63 Sandwich Tern, 72 Gannet, 44 Razorbill, 7 Little Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gadwall and single Kittiwake and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants were limited to a single Robin, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 15 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The overnight wind and rain reduced the moth catch with just 213 of 43 species recorded, however, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Fan-foot were new for the year.
Colour-ringed Sandwich Tern
23rd July 2022 – overcast/rain soon SSE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 428 Common Scoter, 240 Manx Shearwater, 60 Sandwich Tern, 35 Gannet, 8 Guillemot and 4 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers were limited to a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Dunlin, 55 Sanderling, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Whimbrel.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Sandwich Tern was seen – initial investigations suggest it had been ringed in North Wales rather than from the nearest local colony.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 8 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore early morning.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 428 Common Scoter, 240 Manx Shearwater, 60 Sandwich Tern, 35 Gannet, 8 Guillemot and 4 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers were limited to a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Dunlin, 55 Sanderling, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Whimbrel.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Sandwich Tern was seen – initial investigations suggest it had been ringed in North Wales rather than from the nearest local colony.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 8 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore early morning.
Marsh Harrier and Green Sandpiper
22nd July 2022 – overcast/rain at times SE2/3
Offshore
A quick check of the sea produced 33 Sandwich Tern, 4 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 10 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat, at least some of which were grounded migrants.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 540 Dunlin, 350 Redshank, 9 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and single Green Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Marsh Harrier hunted the salt marshes along the eastern side of the island and the long-staying Hooded Crow and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 426 moths of 81 species with White-lined Dart remaining the dominant species and Small Dusty Wave, Barred Yellow, Small Rufous and Willow Beauty all new for the year.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea produced 33 Sandwich Tern, 4 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 10 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat, at least some of which were grounded migrants.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 540 Dunlin, 350 Redshank, 9 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and single Green Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A juvenile Marsh Harrier hunted the salt marshes along the eastern side of the island and the long-staying Hooded Crow and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 426 moths of 81 species with White-lined Dart remaining the dominant species and Small Dusty Wave, Barred Yellow, Small Rufous and Willow Beauty all new for the year.
Good gull news
21st July 2022 – sunny spells NW2/3
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Robin and a single Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The island’s gulls have had the most successful breeding season for many years with no evidence of avian influenza and good productivity noted – for example a sample count of five Great Black-backed Gull nests have produced 10 young.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Robin and a single Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The island’s gulls have had the most successful breeding season for many years with no evidence of avian influenza and good productivity noted – for example a sample count of five Great Black-backed Gull nests have produced 10 young.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
A moth day!
20th July 2022 – sunny spells WNW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations on the falling tide (0600-0700) produced 223 Common Scoter, 68 Manx Shearwater, 24 Guillemot, 15 Gannet, 13 Sandwich Tern, 4 Razorbill and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 479 moths of 70 species with White-line Dart again the dominant species with 300 logged while Dun-bar, Yellow-tail and July Highflyer were new for the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations on the falling tide (0600-0700) produced 223 Common Scoter, 68 Manx Shearwater, 24 Guillemot, 15 Gannet, 13 Sandwich Tern, 4 Razorbill and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 479 moths of 70 species with White-line Dart again the dominant species with 300 logged while Dun-bar, Yellow-tail and July Highflyer were new for the year.
Probably the island’s hottest day ever!
19th July 2022 – very hot and sunny V1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0515-0730) before the conditions completely deteriorated with temperatures reaching 33C, produced 78 Manx Shearwater, 66 Common Scoter, 17 Sandwich Tern and 16 Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 219 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0515-0730) before the conditions completely deteriorated with temperatures reaching 33C, produced 78 Manx Shearwater, 66 Common Scoter, 17 Sandwich Tern and 16 Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 219 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
First Tree Sparrows of the autumn
18th July 2022 –hot and hazy sun V1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 60 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet, 2 Common Scoter and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Four Willow Warbler and 2 Lesser Whitethroat were evidence of migration.
Diurnal Migration
Three Tree Sparrow were recorded – the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Sanderling, 3 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Sand Martin numbers continue to build with 130 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in an appearance and a Water Rail was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 318 moths of 69 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and V Pug new for the year.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 60 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet, 2 Common Scoter and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Four Willow Warbler and 2 Lesser Whitethroat were evidence of migration.
Diurnal Migration
Three Tree Sparrow were recorded – the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Sanderling, 3 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Sand Martin numbers continue to build with 130 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in an appearance and a Water Rail was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 318 moths of 69 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and V Pug new for the year.
First juvenile Willow Warbler begin to head south
17th July 2022 – overcast with light rain then hot and sunny V1/2
Grounded Migrants
Five Willow Warbler included the first southbound juveniles.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 14 Swift were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Sand Martin and Shelduck have had some success, though no House Martins are breeding on the island for the second successive year.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 312 moths of 70 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and Fen Wainscot and Crescent both new for the year.
Dragonflies
At least the dragonflies, including Emperor and Common Darter liked the hot conditions.
Grounded Migrants
Five Willow Warbler included the first southbound juveniles.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 14 Swift were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Sand Martin and Shelduck have had some success, though no House Martins are breeding on the island for the second successive year.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 312 moths of 70 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and Fen Wainscot and Crescent both new for the year.
Dragonflies
At least the dragonflies, including Emperor and Common Darter liked the hot conditions.
Colour-ringed Greenshank
16th July 2022 – overcast then sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 160 Common Scoter, 43 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 31 Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler continue to move through.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Swift was recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders involved 5 Greenshank – including a colour-ringed bird, 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 160 Common Scoter, 43 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 31 Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler continue to move through.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Swift was recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders involved 5 Greenshank – including a colour-ringed bird, 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel.
First Wheatear of the autumn
14th July 2022 – sun and early showers NW3/4
Offshore
A look over the sea at high tide revealed 28 Manx Shearwater, 23 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear of the autumn was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders numbers continue to build with 1044 Oystercatcher, 665 Curlew, 424 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 57 Ringed Plover,18 Grey Plover, 15 Whimbrel, 7 Sanderling, 5 Greenshank, 2 Turnstone, 2 Knot and a Snipe logged.
Miscellaneous
Grey Heron were outnumbered by Little Egret 2:1 with 18 and 37 birds logged respectively.
Offshore
A look over the sea at high tide revealed 28 Manx Shearwater, 23 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear of the autumn was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders numbers continue to build with 1044 Oystercatcher, 665 Curlew, 424 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 57 Ringed Plover,18 Grey Plover, 15 Whimbrel, 7 Sanderling, 5 Greenshank, 2 Turnstone, 2 Knot and a Snipe logged.
Miscellaneous
Grey Heron were outnumbered by Little Egret 2:1 with 18 and 37 birds logged respectively.
Common Scoter remain on the move
13th July 2022 – sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
The sea provided (0630-0730) 675 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 32 Gannet, 11 Guillemot, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Mediterranean Gull logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Another brood of Shelducklings have emerged.
Offshore
The sea provided (0630-0730) 675 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 32 Gannet, 11 Guillemot, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Mediterranean Gull logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Another brood of Shelducklings have emerged.
Common Scoter on the move
12th July 2022 – overcast/light rain SW2/3
Offshore
The switch in the wind direction provided for a more productive early morning seawatch (0615-0815) with 750 Common Scoter, 96 Manx Shearwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 67 Gannet, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 363 moths of 75 species with White-line Dart and Dark Arches the dominant species while Antler Moth, Bordered Beauty, Scalloped Oak, Swallow-tailed Moth and Double Square-spot new for the year.
Offshore
The switch in the wind direction provided for a more productive early morning seawatch (0615-0815) with 750 Common Scoter, 96 Manx Shearwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 67 Gannet, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 363 moths of 75 species with White-line Dart and Dark Arches the dominant species while Antler Moth, Bordered Beauty, Scalloped Oak, Swallow-tailed Moth and Double Square-spot new for the year.
Cuckoo added to year list
10th July 2022 – bright and sunny NW1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea revealed just 55 Common Scoter, 45 Sandwich Tern, 8 Little Tern, 7 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A juvenile Cuckoo was the first of the year, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift and the first Grey Wagtail of the autumn were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were amongst 260 Redshank.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks are already beginning to form with 210 Linnet and 100 Sand Martin logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 227 moths of 54 species with a Hummingbird Hawkmoth the highlight and Small Fan-footed Wave and Triple-spotted Clay new for the year.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea revealed just 55 Common Scoter, 45 Sandwich Tern, 8 Little Tern, 7 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A juvenile Cuckoo was the first of the year, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift and the first Grey Wagtail of the autumn were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were amongst 260 Redshank.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks are already beginning to form with 210 Linnet and 100 Sand Martin logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 227 moths of 54 species with a Hummingbird Hawkmoth the highlight and Small Fan-footed Wave and Triple-spotted Clay new for the year.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Treecreeper added to year list
9th July 2022 – sunny spells NW3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) in more unfavourable winds produced just 110 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Scoter, 16 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 8 Manx Shearwater, 5 Little Tern and 3 Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
A tour of the north end of the island produced a total of 65 species which was highlighted by the first Treecreeper of the year.
Breeding Birds
Intriguingly, following the presence of a Goldcrest holding territory earlier in the year, a juvenile was seen amongst a roving tit flock.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Gatekeeper are now on the wing and Grayling numbers begin to increase while moths included the first Narrow-bordered five-spot Burnets of the year.
Dragonflies
The first Brown Hawker are on the wing.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) in more unfavourable winds produced just 110 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Scoter, 16 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 8 Manx Shearwater, 5 Little Tern and 3 Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
A tour of the north end of the island produced a total of 65 species which was highlighted by the first Treecreeper of the year.
Breeding Birds
Intriguingly, following the presence of a Goldcrest holding territory earlier in the year, a juvenile was seen amongst a roving tit flock.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Gatekeeper are now on the wing and Grayling numbers begin to increase while moths included the first Narrow-bordered five-spot Burnets of the year.
Dragonflies
The first Brown Hawker are on the wing.
The sea continues to disappoint
8th July 2022 – overcast WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) in unsuitable winds produced just 120 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater, 4 Sandwich Tern and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early Willow Warblers – presumably failed breeders – continue to head back south with 7 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Five Swift moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) in unsuitable winds produced just 120 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater, 4 Sandwich Tern and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early Willow Warblers – presumably failed breeders – continue to head back south with 7 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Five Swift moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
The sea disappoints
7th July 2022 – overcast then sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 210 Common Scoter, 68 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 24 Manx Shearwater and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 156 moths of 43 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and Common Emerald and Southern Wainscot new for the year.
Miscellaneous
After months of delays, the new ringing facility is finally starting to take shape.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 210 Common Scoter, 68 Sandwich Tern, 45 Gannet, 24 Manx Shearwater and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 156 moths of 43 species with White-line Dart the dominant species and Common Emerald and Southern Wainscot new for the year.
Miscellaneous
After months of delays, the new ringing facility is finally starting to take shape.
Another quiet day
5th July 2022 – sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 48 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 124 moths of 30 species with Dark Arches the dominant species and Rusty Dot Pearl new for the year.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 48 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 124 moths of 30 species with Dark Arches the dominant species and Rusty Dot Pearl new for the year.
A quiet day
4th July 2022 – early showers then sunny spells W4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 48 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 43 Sandwich Tern, 25 Manx Shearwater, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Curlew, amongst which was the returning white bird.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 48 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 43 Sandwich Tern, 25 Manx Shearwater, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Curlew, amongst which was the returning white bird.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.
First warblers begin to head south
3rd July 2022 – early showers then sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 34 Sandwich Tern, 26 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds are already heading south with single Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 30 Redshank.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 143 moths of 46 species with Blackneck, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Rosy Minor, Drinker and Garden Tiger all new for the year.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 34 Sandwich Tern, 26 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds are already heading south with single Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 30 Redshank.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 143 moths of 46 species with Blackneck, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Rosy Minor, Drinker and Garden Tiger all new for the year.
Breeding first!
2nd July 2022 – early showers then sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 270 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 102 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 5 Shelduck, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Breeding Birds
An adult feeding a juvenile Tree Sparrow provided the island’s first breeding record.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 3 Ringlet and 3 Comma, day-flying moths included Burnet Companion and Clouded Border.
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 270 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 102 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 5 Shelduck, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Breeding Birds
An adult feeding a juvenile Tree Sparrow provided the island’s first breeding record.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 3 Ringlet and 3 Comma, day-flying moths included Burnet Companion and Clouded Border.
Another seawatch
1st July 2022 – overcast/sunny spells/rain in evening V1/2
Offshore
Morning observations (0715-0815) produced 470 Common Scoter, 102 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet and single Puffin and Common Tern.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 329 moths of 76 species – the largest catch of the year so far, White Satin was the dominant species and Mother of Pearl, Yarrow Plume, Narrow-winged Pug, Light Emerald, Eyed Hawkmoth and Dark Spectacle all new for the year.
Offshore
Morning observations (0715-0815) produced 470 Common Scoter, 102 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet and single Puffin and Common Tern.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 329 moths of 76 species – the largest catch of the year so far, White Satin was the dominant species and Mother of Pearl, Yarrow Plume, Narrow-winged Pug, Light Emerald, Eyed Hawkmoth and Dark Spectacle all new for the year.
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