30th April 2023 – overcast/rain/fog/calm
Offshore
Only 5 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a Red-throated Diver emerged from the gloom.
Grounded Migrants
The conditions again conspired to produce another small fall with 24 Wheatear – including the lingering leucistic bird, 10 Willow Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 9 Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit and Lesser Redpoll were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Wood Sandpiper and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
29th April 2023 – overcast/mist/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 35 Guillemot, 16 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 7 Arctic Tern, 6 Shag, 5 Arctic Skua, 3 Puffin, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The conditions conspired to produce a small fall with 22 Wheatear, 13 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 5 Fieldfare, 3 Whinchat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and single Chiffchaff, Grasshopper Warbler and Garden Warbler logged – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Three Tree Pipit were recorded. Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Green-veined White are now belatedly on the wing and the moth trap held both Streamer and Pale Pinion amongst an influx of Brown Silver-line.
28th April 2023 – overcast/murky/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 760 Common Scoter, 31 Guillemot, 20 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 5 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Blackcap and Garden Warbler were amongst 16 Wheatear and 10 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Red-legged Partridge was a surprise.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 13 Orange Tip, 2 Comma and a Holly Blue.
27th April 2023 – overcast ESE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 605 Common Scoter, 142 Sandwich Tern, 25 Guillemot, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Gannet, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Goosander, 2 Arctic Tern and single Arctic Skua and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whinchat and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 510 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot, 4 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
26th April 2023 – hazy sun ENE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 1325 Common Scoter, 55 Sandwich Tern, 20 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 7 Shag, 6 Manx Shearwater and single Arctic Skua, Little Tern and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Although numbers had declined Wheatear continue to dominate with 36 birds logged, including the distinctive leucistic bird. Also recorded were 3 Willow Warbler, 2 White Wagtail and single Grasshopper Warbler and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 135 Pink-footed Geese headed north and 3 Lesser Redpoll were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and waders included 85 Golden Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and single Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A female Marsh Harrier seen hunting the island at dawn had presumably roosted overnight while the long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was again offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 4 Orange Tip and a Holly Blue.
25th April 2023 – sunny spells E1
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 140 Common Scoter, 71 Sandwich Tern, 15 Guillemot, 14 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet and 7 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear continue to dominate with 118 birds logged, including the distinctive leucistic bird. Also seen were 5 Willow Warbler, 2 White Wagtail and single Whinchat, Blackcap and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a Yellow Wagtail was amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Green Sandpiper – the first of the year, 2 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler showed a small increase and the first 2 Reed Warbler have returned but Whitethroat numbers remain low.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
24th April 2023 – sunny spells N1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 295 Common Scoter, 16 Sandwich Tern, 11 Manx Shearwater, 9 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Another wave of Wheatear arrived with 70 birds logged, including a distinctive leucistic bird. Also seen were 14 Willow Warbler 2 Whinchat – the first of the year, 2 White Wagtail and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 315 Pink-footed Geese headed north in 3 flocks and a House Martin was amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Flame Shoulder was new for the year.
23rd April 2023 – sun and showers/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 235 Common Scoter, 76 Sandwich Tern, 27 Guillemot, 20 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag and 5 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Another wave of Wheatear arrived with 62 birds logged, also seen were 3 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swallow included 5 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Golden Plover, 20 Whimbrel and single Jack Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit.
Breeding Birds
The first Sedge Warblers are now in breeding habitats.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Badger was tracked.
Butterflies and Moths
Dark Sword Grass and Hebrew Character were new for the year.
22nd April 2023 – overcast/rain clearing later/calm
Offshore
A later than normal check of the sea as the rain began to clear (1130-1230) was highlighted by 12 Little Gull heading out of the bay. Also seen were 84 Common Scoter, 82 Sandwich Tern, 35 Red-throated Diver, 26 Manx Shearwater, 18 Gannet, 16 Guillemot and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Blackcap and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Barn Owl hunted at dusk.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were again offshore.
21st April 2023 – bright and sunny NE3/6
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0630-0730) produced 244 Common Scoter, 74 Sandwich Tern, 15 Guillemot, 9 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 5 Shag, 5 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler and 2 White Wagtail in the continued bright and blustery conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Whimbrel and a Jack Snipe.
Breeding Birds
The first Lesser Whitethroat have now returned to breeding haunts.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies involved Orange-tip, Speckled Wood, Small White, Brimstone and Holly Blue.
20th April 2023 – bright and sunny NE2/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) were led by a flock of 19 Little Gull heading into the bay at 0723hrs and 2 Common Tern – the latter the first of the year. Also seen were 251 Common Scoter, 112 Sandwich Tern, 45 Guillemot, 23 Gannet, 19 Red-throated Diver, 11 Manx Shearwater, 6 Razorbill, 4 Shag, 3 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler and a single Blackcap in the continued bright and blustery conditions.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit and Swallow trickled through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 57 light-bellied birds while 38 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Shoveler were logged. Waders included 1164 Dunlin, 823 Turnstone, 295 Redshank, 275 Sanderling, 202 Ringed Plover, 145 Golden Plover, 103 Knot, 100 Grey Plover, 52 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and single Purple Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper – the latter was also new for the year.
Breeding Birds
The first Whitethroat have now returned to breeding haunts.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Attractions to the light trap included Early Grey and Red Chestnut – both new for the year.
19th April 2023 – bright and sunny E5/6
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) included 270 Sandwich Tern, 208 Common Scoter, 18 Guillemot, 15 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Manx Shearwater, 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Shag, 2 Fulmar and a Little Tern – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A decline in sightings with just 32 Wheatear, 6 Willow Warbler and 2 White Wagtail logged in the bright and blustery conditions.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed east at 1700hrs. In addition, a flock of 18 Pink-footed Geese flew through along with 3 Lesser Redpoll amongst 55 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 47 light-bellied birds and waders included 38 Whimbrel and single Purple Sandpiper and Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 2 Coot were a welcome sighting given the species’ decline on tthe island in recent years.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged and 2 Harbour Porpoise were again offshore.
18th April 2023 – bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0700-0800) included 60 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 4 Shag, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Razorbill and single Wigeon and Gadwall.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the clear conditions another fall of migrants was in evidence with 82 Wheatear, 35 Willow Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 White Wagtail and a Pied Flycatcher logged – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 210 Pink-footed Geese flew through along with 4 Barnacle Goose, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Breeding Birds
Two additional Grasshopper Warbler are now singing in breeding habitat.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The pleasantly warm afternoon spring sunshine produced Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and the first Holly Blue of the year.
17th April 2023 – foggy/calm
Offshore
A flock of 75 Sandwich Tern appeared out of the gloom on the flooding tide.
Grounded Migrants
The conditions provided a small fall of migrants with 48 Willow Warbler, 11 White Wagtail, 8 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and single Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and Redstart – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 350 Pink-footed Geese and 120 Meadow Pipit flew through along with 6 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Siskin and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6000 Knot, 220 Turnstone, 150 Sanderling, 92 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remained and additional sightings included 4 Raven and 4 Twite amongst 180 Linnet.
16th April 2023 – overcast/mizzle soon SSE2/3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 120 Common Scoter, 40 Sandwich Tern, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Shag, 4 Gannet and 2 Goosander
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was logged!
Diurnal Migration
A total of 1550 Pink-footed Geese flew through early morning, otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 145 light-bellied birds and waders included 2000 Knot, 2 Jack Snipe and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remained.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was again offshore.
15th April 2023 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
An early morning check over a tranquil sea (0700-0800) produced 40 Sandwich Tern, 26 Guillemot, 22 Red-throated Diver, 20 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Shag, 6 Gannet, 2 Razorbill and single Puffin and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 Wheatear and 5 Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard and Tree Sparrow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying adult Hooded Crow remained and a second bird and Merlin was seen.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The pleasantly warm afternoon sunshine produced Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and 3 Orange-tip – the first of the year along with a Brimstone – just the third island record.
14th April 2023 – bright start then overcast/showers ESE2/3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 140 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 20 Red-throated Diver, 15 Guillemot, 11 Shag, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Manx Shearwater and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The first Grasshopper Warbler of the year was logged along with 7 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 5 Whooper Swan, 4 Lesser Redpoll and a Tree Sparrow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 225 Redshank, 85 Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank and single Purple Sandpiper and Whimbrel – the latter the first of the year.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remained.
Mammals
A Badger revealed its nocturnal movements and a Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
13th April 2023 – overcast W6
Offshore
Another early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0700-1000) after even more overnight gales was highlighted by 2 Velvet Scoter and a Great Skua. Additional sightings included: 200 Manx Shearwater, 195 Kittiwake, 175 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Sandwich Tern, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Guillemot, 4 Fulmar and 3 Arctic Skua.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remained.
12th April 2023 – sun and showers SSW4/5/6
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0700-0900) after more overnight gales produced 410 Common Scoter, 118 Manx Shearwater, 64 Gannet, 20 Kittiwake, 11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Hooded Crow remained.
11th April 2023 – bright and sunny/rain later W4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0700-0900) after overnight gales was highlighted by a Sooty Shearwater moving out of the bay at 0712hrs. Additional sightings included 250 Manx Shearwater, 126 Common Scoter, 100 Kittiwake, 47 Gannet, 14 Red-throated Diver, 11 Fulmar, 11 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and single Little Gull and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to a single Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 250 Redshank, 160 Golden Plover, 110 Turnstone and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying adult Hooded Crow was joined on the island by a second-year bird.
10th April 2023 – overcast/murky/showers SSW3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0800-1000) produced 627 Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 25 Sandwich Tern, 21 Red-throated Diver, 12 Manx Shearwater, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 350 Golden Plover.
9th April 2023 – hazy sun SE4/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 145 Common Scoter, 57 Sandwich Tern, 34 Manx Shearwater, 33 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again the unfavourable conditions provided just a single Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
8th April 2023 – bright and sunny NE3
Rarities
At least 5 Water Pipit were again in the flooded fields behind Biggar Farm over the high tide, viewable from the England Coastal Path.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0700-0800) produced 2 Velvet Scoter along with 135 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 11 Red-throated Diver, 10 Guillemot, 8 Shag and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
In the unsuitable clear conditions, newly grounded birds were limited to 2 Willow Warbler and single Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 30 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a Buzzard drifted over.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
Sand Martin, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are now settled in breeding haunts and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming.
7th April 2023 – bright and sunny/calm
Rarities
At least 9 Water Pipit were again in the flooded fields behind Biggar Farm over the high tide, viewable from the England Coastal Path.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0715-0815) produced 4250 Eider, 33 Red-throated Diver, 30 Sandwich Tern, 18 Guillemot, 14 Shag, 12 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Razorbill and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swallow moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 220 light-bellied birds and waders included 500 Knot, 400 Golden Plover, 125 Turnstone and 2 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Speckled Wood and Small White were on the wing.
6th April 2023 – sunny spells WNW4/5
Rarities
At least 9 Water Pipit were again in the flooded fields behind Biggar Farm over the high tide, viewable from the England Coastal Path.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0715-0915) was more productive than of late with 424 Common Scoter, 314 Kittiwake, 117 Sandwich Tern, 92 Guillemot, 45 Razorbill, 33 Gannet, 15 Red-throated Diver, 14 Manx Shearwater, 9 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Arctic Skua logged.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Redwing and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Single Swallow and Sand Martin were amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 240 light-bellied birds and waders included 100 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Speckled Wood was on the wing - the first of the year.
4th April 2023 – bright and sunny SE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 110 Sandwich Tern, 65 Guillemot, 21 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 4 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Diurnal Migration
Although 40 Pink-footed Geese headed north otherwise the skies were quiet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 220 light-bellied birds and waders included 350 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again the best of the rest.
3rd April 2023 – bright and sunny SE3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 70 Common Scoter, 31 Sandwich Tern, 26 Guillemot, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Shag, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill, 2 Shoveler and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Although 420 Pink-footed Geese headed north otherwise the skies were quiet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 200 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Brimstone appears to be just the second island record.
2nd April 2023 – sunny spells NE1
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 22 Common Scoter, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Red-throated Diver, 13 Shag, 12 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot and 4 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The Treecreeper remains, otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest and single Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Although a Siskin was logged the skies were quiet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Shoveler remain.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin, Peregrine and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen and a Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
A flurry of sightings saw 4 Comma, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock and a Small White flying in the afternoon sunshine.
1st April 2023 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 71 Sandwich Tern, 55 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, 15 Guillemot, 13 Shag, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The first Willow Warbler and White Wagtail of the year was logged and additional sightings included 5 Coal Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin were amongst 150 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Jack Snipe amongst 22 Snipe and a Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
Territorial Chiffchaff are now well-distributed in breeding habitat.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter put in its first appearance for three months.
