30th June 2025 – sunny spells V1/2
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap was new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Pink-footed Goose were seen while waders included 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper amongst 50 Redshank.
Hints that autumn has begun
29th June 2025 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
A scan over the sea produced just 12 Gannet and 10 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Singles of Cuckoo, Whinchat and Grey Wagtail suggest southbound movement has begun.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains along with single Brent Goose and Pink-footed Goose. Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 22 Redshank.
Offshore
A scan over the sea produced just 12 Gannet and 10 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Singles of Cuckoo, Whinchat and Grey Wagtail suggest southbound movement has begun.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains along with single Brent Goose and Pink-footed Goose. Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 22 Redshank.
Waders continue to return
25th June 2025 – overcast/early drizzle SW2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 745 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 34 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater and single Shag and Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains and waders included 1610 Oystercatcher, 245 Curlew, 45 Sanderling, 8 Knot, 6 Redshank and single Whimbrel, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore early morning.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap provided just 45 moths of 28 species. Migrants involved a Dark Sword Grass while highlights included Turnip and Triple-spotted Clay and Amber Mompha – the latter would appear to be the first island record.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 745 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 34 Gannet, 11 Manx Shearwater and single Shag and Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains and waders included 1610 Oystercatcher, 245 Curlew, 45 Sanderling, 8 Knot, 6 Redshank and single Whimbrel, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore early morning.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap provided just 45 moths of 28 species. Migrants involved a Dark Sword Grass while highlights included Turnip and Triple-spotted Clay and Amber Mompha – the latter would appear to be the first island record.
A seawatching day
23rd June 2025 – sunny spells/rain later W4/7
Offshore
An extended check over the sea (0645-0945) produced 680 Manx Shearwater, 335 Sandwich Tern, 153 Gannet, 95 Common Scoter, 33 Kittiwake, 7 Fulmar and 4 Guillemot.
Breeding Birds
A census of AON revealed 82 Herring Gull and 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull amongst the chimney pots on the centre of the island.
Offshore
An extended check over the sea (0645-0945) produced 680 Manx Shearwater, 335 Sandwich Tern, 153 Gannet, 95 Common Scoter, 33 Kittiwake, 7 Fulmar and 4 Guillemot.
Breeding Birds
A census of AON revealed 82 Herring Gull and 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull amongst the chimney pots on the centre of the island.
Moths provide the highlight
22nd June 2025 – overcast SW4/6 thundery showers
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 910 Sandwich Tern, 190 Common Scoter, 90 Manx Shearwater, 92 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 6 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Curlew.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap provided 58 moths of 32 species. Migrants involved 5 Diamond-back Moths while Riband Wave was the dominant species while highlights included Short-cloaked Moth, Old Lady and Small Yellow Wave – the latter would appear to be only the second island record.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 910 Sandwich Tern, 190 Common Scoter, 90 Manx Shearwater, 92 Gannet, 15 Guillemot, 6 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Curlew.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap provided 58 moths of 32 species. Migrants involved 5 Diamond-back Moths while Riband Wave was the dominant species while highlights included Short-cloaked Moth, Old Lady and Small Yellow Wave – the latter would appear to be only the second island record.
More Mediterranean Gulls
21st June 2025 – hot and sunny ESE3/4 then showers
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0730) produced 380 Sandwich Tern, 54 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 15 Gannet, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Guillemot and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear of the autumn was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 5 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Breeding Birds
Several recently fledged Reed Warbler have emerged and Red-breasted Merganser have bred for the first time since 1992.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Mammals
Six Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Painted Lady of the year was amongst a further influx of Red Admiral.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0730) produced 380 Sandwich Tern, 54 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 15 Gannet, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Guillemot and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear of the autumn was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 5 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Breeding Birds
Several recently fledged Reed Warbler have emerged and Red-breasted Merganser have bred for the first time since 1992.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
Mammals
Six Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Painted Lady of the year was amongst a further influx of Red Admiral.
Swifts on the move and waders begin to return
20th June 2025 – hot and sunny ESE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 260 Sandwich Tern, 155 Common Scoter, 48 Manx Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 3 Puffin and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and single Whimbrel and Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 11 Swift flew through.
Miscellaneous
Post-breeding flocks included 40 Lapwing and 100 Linnet.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 260 Sandwich Tern, 155 Common Scoter, 48 Manx Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 3 Puffin and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and single Whimbrel and Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 11 Swift flew through.
Miscellaneous
Post-breeding flocks included 40 Lapwing and 100 Linnet.
Mediterranean Gulls
19th June 2025 – hot and sunny E1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea (0700-0800) produced 145 Common Scoter, 102 Sandwich Tern, 30 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and a dark morph Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Four Stonechat and a Robin were the likely product of post-breeding dispersal.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and 5 Shoveler were seen.
Dragonflies
Sightings included 39 Black-tailed Skimmer and 10 Emperor Dragonfly.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0700-0800) produced 145 Common Scoter, 102 Sandwich Tern, 30 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and a dark morph Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Four Stonechat and a Robin were the likely product of post-breeding dispersal.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon remains and 5 Shoveler were seen.
Dragonflies
Sightings included 39 Black-tailed Skimmer and 10 Emperor Dragonfly.
100th Puffin of the season
18th June 2025 – bright and sunny WNW1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 170 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet, 2 Puffin, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon reappeared.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Plants
A few Bee Orchid are now in bloom.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 170 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet, 2 Puffin, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Wigeon reappeared.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Plants
A few Bee Orchid are now in bloom.
Seawatching before the rain
17th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 93 Manx Sheerwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 74 Common Scoter, 49 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Razorbill, 2 Puffin and a Kittiwake.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 106 moths of 45 species with Dark Arches the dominant species and White Satin, Drinker, Common Emerald and Single-dotted Wave were new for the year.
Miscellaneous
Post-breeding flocks of Starling have now developed.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 93 Manx Sheerwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 74 Common Scoter, 49 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Razorbill, 2 Puffin and a Kittiwake.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 106 moths of 45 species with Dark Arches the dominant species and White Satin, Drinker, Common Emerald and Single-dotted Wave were new for the year.
Miscellaneous
Post-breeding flocks of Starling have now developed.
Puffin and dolphins
16th June 2025 – bright and sunny SW1/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 220 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 84 Manx Shearwater, 26 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey and 2 Teal remain. The first Redshank have returned although a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A pod of 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Dragonflies
The first Emperor Dragonflies of the year were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown and Ringlet are now on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 220 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 84 Manx Shearwater, 26 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey and 2 Teal remain. The first Redshank have returned although a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A pod of 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Dragonflies
The first Emperor Dragonflies of the year were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown and Ringlet are now on the wing.
Garganey and Hooded Crow
15th June 2025 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided 165 Manx Shearwater, 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 38 Common Scoter, 10 Arctic Tern and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey and Teal remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Insects
A Leaf-cutter Bee was tentatively identified as Megachile willughbiella.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided 165 Manx Shearwater, 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 38 Common Scoter, 10 Arctic Tern and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey and Teal remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Insects
A Leaf-cutter Bee was tentatively identified as Megachile willughbiella.
First Teal return
13th June 2025 – sunny spells S4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 355 Common Scoter, 39 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 27 Canada Goose and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey reappeared and the first 2 Teal have returned while the light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Butterflies and Moths
Another small influx of Red Admiral was noted and the light trap held 106 moths of 38 species – with Flame Shoulder the dominant species while Mottled Beauty and Snout were new for the year.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 355 Common Scoter, 39 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 27 Canada Goose and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Garganey reappeared and the first 2 Teal have returned while the light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Butterflies and Moths
Another small influx of Red Admiral was noted and the light trap held 106 moths of 38 species – with Flame Shoulder the dominant species while Mottled Beauty and Snout were new for the year.
Mediterranean Gull and Puffins
12th June 2025 – hazy sun E4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0815) provided 280 Sandwich Tern, 212 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, 13 Canada Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 2 Puffin and a Mediterranean Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was noted.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0815) provided 280 Sandwich Tern, 212 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, 13 Canada Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 2 Puffin and a Mediterranean Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Red Admiral was noted.
Common Cranes
11th June 2025 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 59 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 14 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose and single Puffin and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Miscellaneous
A flight of 4 Common Cranes dropped in briefly late morning.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 59 Sandwich Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater, 14 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose and single Puffin and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The light-bellied Brent Goose continues to linger.
Miscellaneous
A flight of 4 Common Cranes dropped in briefly late morning.
Garganey remains
10th June 2025 – sunny spells WNW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) provided 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and single Puffin and Shag. In addition, a flock of 1000+ Common Scoter were still over the mouth of the bay.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey remains.
Dragonflies
The Broad-bodied Chaser remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) provided 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and single Puffin and Shag. In addition, a flock of 1000+ Common Scoter were still over the mouth of the bay.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Garganey remains.
Dragonflies
The Broad-bodied Chaser remains.
A sad day
9th June 2025 – overcast/rain later WSW3/4
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was the first of the year while lingering waders and wildfowl included 3 Whimbrel and a light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 128 moths of 25 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Obscure Wainscot was new for the year.
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Keith Parkes. A long-standing member of the observatory and Secretary since the 1960’s Keith was also a part time Treasurer and a member of the ringing team, his commitment to the observatory will be truly missed.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Garganey was the first of the year while lingering waders and wildfowl included 3 Whimbrel and a light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 128 moths of 25 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Obscure Wainscot was new for the year.
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Keith Parkes. A long-standing member of the observatory and Secretary since the 1960’s Keith was also a part time Treasurer and a member of the ringing team, his commitment to the observatory will be truly missed.
Wood Sandpiper
8th June 2025 – overcast/showers W3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 56 Common Scoter, 37 Sandwich Tern, 17 Guillemot, 16 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 170 Sanderling were seen along with the first Wood Sandpiper of the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 56 Common Scoter, 37 Sandwich Tern, 17 Guillemot, 16 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 170 Sanderling were seen along with the first Wood Sandpiper of the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Seabirds yet again!
7th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 63 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 30 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 63 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 30 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
Spotted Flycatcher
6th June 2025 – early rain then sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 53 Sandwich Tern, 36 Gannet, 29 Common Scoter, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A Spotted Flycatcher was new.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 53 Sandwich Tern, 36 Gannet, 29 Common Scoter, 5 Manx Shearwater and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A Spotted Flycatcher was new.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 174 moths of 40 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Clay, Barred Straw and Satin Wave were new for the year.
Seabirds again
5th June 2025 – overcast/rain soon SW1/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0515-0715) revealed 145 Sandwich Tern, 81 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and single Common Tern and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 120 Sanderling were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0515-0715) revealed 145 Sandwich Tern, 81 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and single Common Tern and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 120 Sanderling were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
More seabirds
4th June 2025 – sun and showers WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0915) revealed 400 Manx Shearwater, 131 Kittiwake, 57 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0915) revealed 400 Manx Shearwater, 131 Kittiwake, 57 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar and single Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Just seabirds
3rd June 2025 – rain clearing to sunny spells WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 100 Manx Shearwater, 53 Gannet, 37 Sandwich Tern, 23 Guillemot, 14 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 100 Manx Shearwater, 53 Gannet, 37 Sandwich Tern, 23 Guillemot, 14 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 14 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Arctic Skua and late Chiffchaff
1st June 2025 – sun and showers SW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed 120 Common Scoter, 50 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 22 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet, 5 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Weasel was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 205 moths of 47 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Dark Spectacle, Straw Dot and Buff Ermine were new for the year.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed 120 Common Scoter, 50 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 22 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet, 5 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Weasel was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 205 moths of 47 species – with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Dark Spectacle, Straw Dot and Buff Ermine were new for the year.
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