31st May 2024 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 1200 Common Scoter, 64 Sandwich Tern, 37 Gannet, 30 Guillemot, 5 Manx Shearwater, 3 Puffin and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by 3 Spotted Flycatcher and single Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Another Velvet Scoter
29th May 2024 – sun and showers W3/4
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 535 Common Scoter, 110 Sandwich Tern, 48 Gannet, 43 Kittiwake, 19 Guillemot, 9 Manx Shearwater and single Red-throated Diver and female Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by a single Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow and House Martin continue to trickle through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 535 Common Scoter, 110 Sandwich Tern, 48 Gannet, 43 Kittiwake, 19 Guillemot, 9 Manx Shearwater and single Red-throated Diver and female Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by a single Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow and House Martin continue to trickle through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Velvet Scoter
28th May 2024 – overcast/rain soon SE3/4
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 490 Common Scoter, 61 Sandwich Tern, 26 Guillemot, 8 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a drake Velvet Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Wigeon and Teal were logged and a Coot was the first record of the year for what, until recently, was a regular breeding species.
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 490 Common Scoter, 61 Sandwich Tern, 26 Guillemot, 8 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a drake Velvet Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Wigeon and Teal were logged and a Coot was the first record of the year for what, until recently, was a regular breeding species.
Arctic Skua
27th May 2024 – overcast/showers then sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 725 Common Scoter, 225 Sandwich Tern, 95 Manx Shearwater, 59 Gannet, 55 Kittiwake, 26 Guillemot, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Skua, Little Tern and Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear was logged.
Dragonflies
At least 7 Azure Dragonflies were seen – this species is a recent addition to the island’s dragonfly list, along with Four-spotted Chaser.
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0700-0800) included 725 Common Scoter, 225 Sandwich Tern, 95 Manx Shearwater, 59 Gannet, 55 Kittiwake, 26 Guillemot, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Skua, Little Tern and Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear was logged.
Dragonflies
At least 7 Azure Dragonflies were seen – this species is a recent addition to the island’s dragonfly list, along with Four-spotted Chaser.
Short-eared Owls
25th May 2024 – bright and sunny SE2/3
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0630-0730) included 1325 Common Scoter, 120 Sandwich Tern, 70 Gannet, 45 Guillemot, 33 Kittiwake, 21 Manx Shearwater, 14 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Tern and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Some late movement saw 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was logged and waders included 500 Knot and 110 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
Two Short-eared Owls were seen and a Spoonbill was reported.
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0630-0730) included 1325 Common Scoter, 120 Sandwich Tern, 70 Gannet, 45 Guillemot, 33 Kittiwake, 21 Manx Shearwater, 14 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Tern and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Some late movement saw 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was logged and waders included 500 Knot and 110 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
Two Short-eared Owls were seen and a Spoonbill was reported.
Arctic Skuas and Brent Geese
24th May 2024 – overcast/drizzle clearing later SW2/3
Offshore
Later than normal observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) revealed 240 Sandwich Tern, 175 Manx Shearwater, 52 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was logged
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock still held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Offshore
Later than normal observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) revealed 240 Sandwich Tern, 175 Manx Shearwater, 52 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was logged
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock still held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Seabirds dominate sightings
23rd May 2024 – overcast/ rain clearing to showers NW5/6
Offshore
Later than normal observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) produced 90 Gannet, 80 Sandwich Tern, 53 Kittiwake, 51 Common Scoter, 34 Guillemot, 17 Manx Shearwater, 6 Razorbill, 5 Fulmar and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 340 Knot and 6 Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Offshore
Later than normal observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) produced 90 Gannet, 80 Sandwich Tern, 53 Kittiwake, 51 Common Scoter, 34 Guillemot, 17 Manx Shearwater, 6 Razorbill, 5 Fulmar and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 340 Knot and 6 Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Short-eared Owl
21st May 2024 – sunny spells E1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) revealed 420 Sandwich Tern, 330 Common Scoter, 182 Kittiwake, 46 Guillemot, 61 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Arctic Tern, 4 Little Tern, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Puffin,
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through and a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 1000 Knot and 6 Whimbrel
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) revealed 420 Sandwich Tern, 330 Common Scoter, 182 Kittiwake, 46 Guillemot, 61 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 7 Arctic Tern, 4 Little Tern, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Puffin,
Diurnal Migration
Swallow continue to trickle through and a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 35 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 1000 Knot and 6 Whimbrel
Garganey reappears
20th May 2024 – sunny spells E1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 310 Sandwich Tern, 87 Kittiwake, 55 Common Scoter, 44 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Garganey put in a reappearance and the Brent Goose flock held 32 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Common Blue was on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 310 Sandwich Tern, 87 Kittiwake, 55 Common Scoter, 44 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The male Garganey put in a reappearance and the Brent Goose flock held 32 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Common Blue was on the wing.
Puffins
19th May 2024 – mist/murk, then warm and sunny/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 75 Gannet, 71 Common Scoter, 63 Kittiwake, 53 Guillemot, 9 Little Tern, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Puffin, 2 Shag, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Manx Shearwater
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock again held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Dingy Skipper are now on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 75 Gannet, 71 Common Scoter, 63 Kittiwake, 53 Guillemot, 9 Little Tern, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Puffin, 2 Shag, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Manx Shearwater
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock again held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Dingy Skipper are now on the wing.
Late Merlin
18th May 2024 – mist/murk, then warm and sunny/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 125 Common Scoter, 21 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine and a late Merlin were the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Starling broods have now emerged and Jay – a recent addition to the breeding list look set to breed again.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0545-0645) produced 125 Common Scoter, 21 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine and a late Merlin were the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
The first Starling broods have now emerged and Jay – a recent addition to the breeding list look set to breed again.
Brent Geese linger
17th May 2024 – overcast/murky V1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed the continued presence of a large flock of 6000 Common Scoter in the mouth of the bay, also seen were 10 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 830 Knot, 600 Sanderling, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap has finally started attracting significant numbers of moths with 116 of 28 species, of which, Dark Spectacle, Herald, Poplar Hawkmoth, Eyed Hawkmoth and Swallow Prominent were new for the year.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed the continued presence of a large flock of 6000 Common Scoter in the mouth of the bay, also seen were 10 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 4 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 830 Knot, 600 Sanderling, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap has finally started attracting significant numbers of moths with 116 of 28 species, of which, Dark Spectacle, Herald, Poplar Hawkmoth, Eyed Hawkmoth and Swallow Prominent were new for the year.
Just a seawatch
15th May 2024 – sunny spells E2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) revealed 205 Sandwich Tern, 194 Common Scoter, 117 Kittiwake, 35 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Skua and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) revealed 205 Sandwich Tern, 194 Common Scoter, 117 Kittiwake, 35 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Skua and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Garganey lingers and more Spotted Flycatcher
13th May 2024 – fog/mist/rain later SE2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 165 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Little Tern and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings involved 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and single Blackcap and Garden Warbler amongst 11 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 165 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Little Tern and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings involved 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and single Blackcap and Garden Warbler amongst 11 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Garganey lingers and first Spotted Flycatcher
12th May 2024 – warm/sunny spells/murky E2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just a few Gannets and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 4 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains and Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal were also logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Dragonflies
Azure Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and Four-Spotted Chaser have all now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown was on the wing.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just a few Gannets and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 4 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains and Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal were also logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Dragonflies
Azure Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and Four-Spotted Chaser have all now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown was on the wing.
Late Fieldfare and Garganey continues to linger
11th May 2024 – warm and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea before the heat haze kicked in (0700-0800) provided 250 Sandwich Tern, 76 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Little Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver and 3 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Wheatear and a late Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey and a drake Wigeon were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
Observations over the sea before the heat haze kicked in (0700-0800) provided 250 Sandwich Tern, 76 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Little Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver and 3 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 2 Wheatear and a late Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey and a drake Wigeon were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Avocets and Garganey
10th May 2024 – overcast/misty E1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) provided 1000 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 3 Shag, 2 Guillemot and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 13 Wheatear and single Reed Warbler, Whinchat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Pink-footed Goose, House Martin and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains and the Brent Goose flock held 20 light-bellied birds; waders included 2 Avocets.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
Another Roe Deer was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Copper was on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) provided 1000 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 3 Shag, 2 Guillemot and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 13 Wheatear and single Reed Warbler, Whinchat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Pink-footed Goose, House Martin and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey remains and the Brent Goose flock held 20 light-bellied birds; waders included 2 Avocets.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
Another Roe Deer was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Copper was on the wing.
Garganey and Curlew Sandpiper
9th May 2024 – mist/fog SW1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea before the visibility again closed in (0700-0800) provided 165 Sandwich Tern, 51 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 15 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was new in and the Brent Goose flock held 62 light-bellied birds; waders included 39 Whimbrel and the single Curlew Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of waterfowl are beginning to emerge with Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard and Little Grebe all escorting youngsters.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Rush Veneer and Silver Y.
Offshore
Observations over the sea before the visibility again closed in (0700-0800) provided 165 Sandwich Tern, 51 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 15 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was new in and the Brent Goose flock held 62 light-bellied birds; waders included 39 Whimbrel and the single Curlew Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of waterfowl are beginning to emerge with Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard and Little Grebe all escorting youngsters.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Rush Veneer and Silver Y.
Curlew Sandpiper
8th May 2024 – fog/mizzle SW1/2
Grounded Migrants
Sightings involved 25 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and single Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 8 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin and a House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 64 light-bellied birds; waders included 1926 Oystercatcher, 1238 Dunlin, 89 Whimbrel and single Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Waved Umber - just the second island record.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings involved 25 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and single Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 8 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin and a House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 64 light-bellied birds; waders included 1926 Oystercatcher, 1238 Dunlin, 89 Whimbrel and single Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Waved Umber - just the second island record.
Low key migration continues
7th May 2024 – sunny spells NW1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 157 Common Scoter, 134 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Guillemot and an Arctic Skua. In addition, the raft of 6000 Common Scoter was again in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 31 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 90 light-bellied birds; waders included 17 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Roe Deer was a surprise.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Diamond-back Moth and Silver Y.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0715) produced 157 Common Scoter, 134 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Guillemot and an Arctic Skua. In addition, the raft of 6000 Common Scoter was again in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 31 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 90 light-bellied birds; waders included 17 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Roe Deer was a surprise.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Diamond-back Moth and Silver Y.
Spoonbill, Puffins and fall of Wheatear
5th May 2024 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Observations over a calm sea (0545-0645) revealed 540 Common Scoter, 150 Sandwich Tern, 43 Red-throated Diver, 40 Guillemot, 23 Gannet, 20 Little Tern, 18 Kittiwake, 12 Razorbill, 6 Puffin, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua. In addition, the raft of 10000 Common Scoter was again in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A reasonable day produced totals of 158 Wheatear, 15 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Whinchat and 2 Garden Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A Spoonbill headed north and a total of 16 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel and 15 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Diamond-back Moth, Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.
Offshore
Observations over a calm sea (0545-0645) revealed 540 Common Scoter, 150 Sandwich Tern, 43 Red-throated Diver, 40 Guillemot, 23 Gannet, 20 Little Tern, 18 Kittiwake, 12 Razorbill, 6 Puffin, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua. In addition, the raft of 10000 Common Scoter was again in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
A reasonable day produced totals of 158 Wheatear, 15 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Whinchat and 2 Garden Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A Spoonbill headed north and a total of 16 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel and 15 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Diamond-back Moth, Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.
Wood Sandpiper headlines
4th May 2024 – overcast/mizzle/murk SW2/3
Offshore
Just 40 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver appeared through the gloom.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and 3 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 30 light-bellied birds and waders included 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and a Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
Just 40 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver appeared through the gloom.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and 3 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 30 light-bellied birds and waders included 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank and a Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Black Guillemots and Arctic Terns
3rd May 2024 – overcast/showers/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay had increased to 10000 birds. Also seen were 51 Arctic Tern, 21 Sandwich Tern, 11 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Black Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Five Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin and 2 Whimbrel.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay had increased to 10000 birds. Also seen were 51 Arctic Tern, 21 Sandwich Tern, 11 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Black Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Five Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin and 2 Whimbrel.
First Swift of the year
2nd May 2024 – bright and sunny ENE3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 300 Common Scoter, 54 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 17 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the year and 450 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 300 Common Scoter, 54 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 17 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the year and 450 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Common Scoter numbers build
1st May 2024 – overcast/calm then sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed a large raft of 6000 Common Scoter in the mouth of the bay, also seen were 16 Sandwich Tern, 10 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 2 Shag and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 11 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 250 Pink-footed Geese and 5 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 750 Knot, 100 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
The Cetti’s Warbler continues to hold territory.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Holly Blue was on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed a large raft of 6000 Common Scoter in the mouth of the bay, also seen were 16 Sandwich Tern, 10 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 2 Shag and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 11 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 250 Pink-footed Geese and 5 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 750 Knot, 100 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
The Cetti’s Warbler continues to hold territory.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Holly Blue was on the wing.
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