Late Arctic Tern

21st October 2026 – murky start/rain later SE3/4 then W6/8
Offshore
A check of the sea (0945-1045) produced 71 Common Scoter, 28 Razorbill, 16 Gannet and 3 Red-breasted Merganser. A late Arctic Tern was off the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and a Redwing. Otherwise limited to a single Chiffchaff. The Cetti’s Warbler remains.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin and single Brambling and Rock Pipit were logged
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 22 moths of 15 species with Yellow-line Quaker and Dark Chestnut new for the year.

Wet and miserable conditions

20th October 2026 – overcast/mizzle then rain E2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 Redwing and a Chiffchaff was logged.
Miscellaneous
The islands “woodland” held 3 Redwing, along with single Jay, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.

A very light passage

19th October 2026 – overcast/ showers E3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 29 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Redwing. Otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and the lingering Cetti’s Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 580 Jackdaw, 22 Linnet, 14 Tree Sparrow, 7 Chaffinch, 7 Pied Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and Siskin were logged
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral remain on the wing.

First Fieldfare arrive

18th October 2026 – bright and sunny N1
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 60 Redwing and 6 Fieldfare. The Cetti’s Warbler remains.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 1,290 Pink-footed Goose, 1,000 Jackdaw, 60 Tree Sparrow, 30 Skylark, 12 Linnet, 10 Meadow Pipit, 3 Whooper Swan, 3 Brambling, 2 Swallow, 2 Siskin and single Stock Dove and Collared Dove were logged
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral remain on the wing.

Migration continues at a steady pace

17th October 2026 – bright and sunny NNE1
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 Redwing, 5 Blackbird and 3 Song Thrush. The Cetti’s Warbler was joined by two new arrivals and additional sightings involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 2,000 Jackdaw, 1,660 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Skylark, 18 Linnet, 16 Tree Sparrow, 12 Whooper Swan, 12 Swallow, 10 Meadow Pipit,10 Chaffinch, 9 Barnacle Goose, 4 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 2 Redpoll were logged
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest, along with the resident Hooded Crow. The island’s “woodland” added 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Jay.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held Figure of Eight and Feathered Thorn.

A little movement

14th October 2026 – sunny spells S3/5
Offshore
A scan of the sea provided just 11 Shag, 10 Razorbill, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
The Cetti’s Warbler remains and additional sightings involved single Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 60 Skylark, 58 Jackdaw, 30 Linnet, 20 Meadow Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Greenfinch, 2 Swallow, 2 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail were logged
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest. The island’s “woodland” added 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Chiffchaff and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Jay.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap has seen a noticeable reduction in numbers although immigrants involved 3 Silver Y and single White-speck, Rush Veneer and Rusty Dot Pearl.

Lingering Cetti’s Warbler and Hooded Crow

13th October 2026 – early rain then sun and showers WSW4/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 280 Common Scoter, 190 Razorbill, 59 Gannet, 18 Shag, 4 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Chiffchaff and the lingering Cetti’s Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.

A wildfowl and waders’ day

12th October 2026 – overcast/rain/mizzle SE3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea provided just 21 Shag, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Common Scoter and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl were represented by 752 Wigeon, 651 Teal, 331 light-bellied Brent Goose, 303 Shelduck, 143 Mallard, 85 Pintail and 64 Canada Goose. Waders included 3180 Oystercatcher, 1086 Redshank, 662 Curlew, 282 Golden Plover, 182 Turnstone, 25 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Shag was found sheltering on the island, a total of 67 Little Egret were logged and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Good diurnal movement

11th October 2026 – sun and showers/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 2,800 Eider, 30 Shag, 10 Razorbill, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
At least 4 Cetti’s Warbler are now on the island and additional sightings involved 5 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear, Redwing, Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were busier with 180 Skylark, 125 Meadow Pipit, 109 Pink-footed Goose, 95 Jackdaw, 75 Whooper Swan, 60 Linnet, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Chaffinch, 28 Pied Wagtail, 14 Reed Bunting, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Siskin, 3 Swallow, 2 Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling and a Jay logged.
Miscellaneous
The islands “woodland” held 63 Redwing, 13 Redpoll and 8 Chiffchaff. Two Merlin hunted the island and a Water Rail and Great Spotted Woodpecker was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap highlight was a Blairs Shoulder-Knot.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.

Barnacle Geese

10th October 2026 – sun and showers W6/8
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0930) produced 100 Common Scoter, 77 Razorbill, 22 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Dover, 3 Guillemot and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 25 Barnacle Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 320 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hen Harrier remains and single Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Hen Harrier remains

9th October 2026 – overcast/rain then sun and showers WSW5/8
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 32 Razorbill, 19 Common Scoter, 11 Kittiwake, 5 Shag, 4 Gannet, 4 Guillemot and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Chiffchaff was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 22 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hen Harrier remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.

Hen Harrier

8th October 2026 – bright and sunny N2
Grounded Migrants
Quieter today, although at least one Cetti’s Warbler remains additional sightings were limited to 6 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were slightly busier with 330 Jackdaw, 160 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Skylark, 32 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 14 Carrion Crow, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Brambling, Mistle Thrush and Whooper Swan logged.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the island and single Water Rail and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.

It was a Chiffchaff and Robin day

7th October 2026 – bright and sunny after overnight rain NNW2
Grounded Migrants
Chiffchaff and Robin were to the fore with 42 and 40 respectively, also seen were 14 Stonechat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear and a Redstart. At least one Cetti’s Warbler remains.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 1,245 Pink-footed Goose, 135 Skylark, 52 Meadow Pipit, 40 Chaffinch, 37 Jackdaw, 30 Linnet, 18 Pied Wagtail, 16 Carrion Crow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 4 Brambling, 2 Swallow and 2 Siskin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 300 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and single Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the moth trap involved Pearly Underwing and another Vestal. Butterflies still on the wing involved Red Admiral and Small White

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

6th October 2026 – overcast/mizzle at times/calm
Grounded Migrants
Another Yellow-browed Warbler was amongst 9 Chiffchaff. The lingering Cetti’s Warbler has been joined by a singing male and 3 Blackcap and a Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were on the move with 2,250 birds logged, also seen were 60 Skylark, 55 Meadow Pipit, 32 Pied Wagtail, 20 Chaffinch, 9 Swallow and a Brambling.
Miscellaneous
Singles of Water Rail, Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 32 moths of 22 species. Immigrants were highlighted by singles of The Gem and Vestal along with Small Mottled Willow, Silver Y and Pearly Underwing.

Back to seabirds

5th October 2026 – overcast/mizzle at times SW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) provided 84 Common Scoter, 41 Gannet, 17 Shag, 10 Razorbill, 8 Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest - it has been a very poor autumn for the latter so far.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a single Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held just 19 moths of 12 species. Immigrants involved 3 Rusty Dot. Pearl while Brick was new for the year.

Yellow-browed Warbler

4th October 2026 – overcast SSW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 2 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A quiet day was enlivened by a Yellow-browed Warbler, otherwise just single Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 155 Linnet, 120 Meadow Pipit, 65 Chaffinch, 57 Skylark, 26 Jackdaw, 15 Siskin, 12 Pied Wagtail, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Swallow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Ruff was the pick of the waders
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 32 moths of 15 species. Immigrants involved 8 Rusty Dot Pearl and The Gem.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

3rd October 2026 – bright and sunny W1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 2 Gannet and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Chiffchaff was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 100 Skylark, 48 Meadow Pipit, 27 Starling, 12 Linnet, 11 Tree Sparrow, 8 Reed Bunting, 6 Swallow, 6 Pied Wagtail and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 43 moths of 15 species. Immigrants involved The Delicate and Pearly Underwing and a Figure of Eight was seen.

Velvet Scoters

2nd October 2026 – sun and showers/rain later SSE4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0900) produced 106 Common Scoter, 44 Gannet, 40 Razorbill, 23 Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Just 20 Meadow Pipit and 14 Skylark moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 25 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.

Cetti’s Warbler remains

1st October 2026 – rain clearing later WSW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 7 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Cetti’s Warbler remains and additional grounded birds involved 17 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 270 Starling, 59 Jackdaw, 40 Linnet, 30 Meadow Pipit, 21 Skylark, 12 Chaffinch, 8 Pied Wagtail, 3 Swallow and 2 Grey Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Shoveler was amongst 270 Teal.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Cetti’s Warbler

28th September 2026 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 10 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Although a Cetti’s Warbler was newly arrived, birds were rather thin on the ground in the conditions with just 6 Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals 180 Linnet, 180 Skylark, 100 Meadow Pipit, 44 Chaffinch, 25 Carrion Crow, 23 Jackdaw, 22 Pied Wagtail, 20 Swallow, 7 Grey Wagtail and single House Martin and Siskin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 280 Teal and a Coot – the latter an island rarity these days!
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 2 Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Mainly seabirds

27th September 2026 – overcast/rain at times SE4/7
Offshore
A couple of checks of the sea revealed 214 Razorbill, 210 Gannet, 125 Common Scoter, 64 Wigeon, 49 Kittiwake, 16 Guillemot, 10 Shag and 9 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Only 100 Meadow Pipit, 95 Pink-footed Goose and a Grey Wagrail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Wildfowl begin to increase

26th September 2026 – sun and showers SW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) revealed 90 Common Scoter, 89 Kittiwake, 63 Gannet, 10 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver, 6 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants were limited to single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 50 Meadow Pipit, 15 Skylark, 7 Pied Wagtail, 4 Swallow and 2 Grey Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Brent Geese has increased to 220 light-bellied birds while 160 Wigeon, 120 Teal and 95 Pintail were also logged. Waders included 44 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret were along the eastern shore with 92 birds seen over the tide. A check of the island’s “woodland” added 12 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap while a Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

A quieter day

25th September 2026 – overcast/showers NW2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 74 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 17 Robin and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 220 Meadow Pipit, 29 Pied Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch and 3 Swallow moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 85 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.

Spectacular diurnal migration

24th September 2026 – bright and sunny ESE3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 22 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Rather thin on the ground in the conditions with just 8 Robin, 4 Stonechat, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A spectacular diurnal passage continued throughout the morning involving totals of 3280 Meadow Pipit, 700 Skylark, 440 Linnet, 345 Pink-footed Goose, 145 Swallow, 43 Pied Wagtail, 34 Goldfinch, 16 Grey Wagtail, 15 House Martin, 9 Chaffinch, 6 Woodpigeon, 4 Jay and a Stock Dove.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 2 Marsh Harrier and single Short-eared Owl and Merlin while the Hooded Crow remains.
Dragonflies
A Red-veined Darter and several Migrant Hawker were still on the wing.

More migration hints

22nd September 2026 – overcast/murk/mizzle/calm
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 15 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 130 Meadow Pipit, 65 Swallow, 10 Skylark and 9 Grey Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Raven were seen.

Migration hints before the drizzle set in

21st September 2026 – overcast then drizzle S2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 166 Common Scoter, 18 Shag, 3 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 12 Robin, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 400 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 3 Swallow and 2 Grey Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Knot and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail were logged and a Peregrine was seen.

Leach’s Petrels and Great Skua

19th September 2026 – sunny spells W4/6
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea revealed 600 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 11 Gannet, 9 Razorbill, 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Leach’s Petrel, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Guillemot and Great Skua.

Quiet seas and skies

18th September 2026 – sun and showers WSW3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0900) produced 179 Common Scoter, 10 Shag, 7 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill, 3 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 3 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Arctic Skua

17th September 2026 – overcast/showers W4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0900) produced 408 Common Scoter, 20 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Razorbill, 5 Guillemot, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Artic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” hosted 8 Jay, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff.

Hooded Crow again pick of a poor bunch

16th September 2026 – overcast/showers WNW5
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 58 Common Scoter, 21 Shag, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration was limited to 6 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Light migration!

15th September 2026 – sun and showers W4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 11 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 10 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 20 Meadow Pipit, 10 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail and a single Sand Martin.
Miscellaneous
A first-winter Shag was again sheltering on the pools.

More migration!

14th September 2026 – mizzle/mist SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 101 Common Scoter, 10 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Sandwich Tern and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 200 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and single Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A first-winter Shag sheltering on the pools was unusual.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Delicate and a Small Mottled Willow.

Migration conditions

13th September 2026 – early drizzle then suuny spells/calm
Offshore
A check of the flat sea revealed 42 Common Scoter, 36 Shag, 6 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 10 Robin, 8 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 520 Meadow Pipit, 320 Pink-footed Goose, 110 Swallow, 60 House Martin, 54 Grey Wagtail, 7 Sand Martin and single Tree Pipit and Tree Sparrow moved through once the drizzle cleared.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 54 light-bellied Brent Geese was seen and waders included 220 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Cetti’s Warbler, Hooded Crow, Water Rail and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A pod of 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore and a Weasel was seen.
Dragonflies
A total of 6 teneral Red-veined Darter were seen, consolidating the counties first confirmed breeding record.
Butterflies and Moths
Two Clouded Yellow were recorded.

Hooded Crow pick of a poor bunch

12th September 2026 – heavy rain clearing SW4/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea (1000-1100) as the rain cleared produced just 2 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
There were 27 light-bellied Brent Goose logged and waders included 35 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 100 Linnet were the best of the rest.

Insects headline!

11th September 2026 – overcast/showers WNW3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 137 Common Scoter, 14 Shag, 4 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of birds included 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Great Spotted Woodpecker and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Delicate and a Clouded Yellow was seen.

Brent Geese increase

10th September 2026 – overcast/rain later SSE3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 294 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 22 Manx Shearwater, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 10 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and a single Blackcap were seen.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were no better with 40 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow and 3 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 58 light-bellied Brent Geese present and additional wildfowl included 40 Wigeon and a Shoveler. Waders included 1620 Oystercatcher, 1120 Redshank, 534 Dunlin, 477 Curlew, 90 Golden Plover, 82 Sanderling, 82 Turnstone and 32 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 35 Little Egret were counted along the eastern shore and Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Pectoral Sandpiper reappears

9th September 2026 – overcast/showers SSE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 34 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag and single Gannet and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 12 Robin, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and single Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The first 6 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were logged and other birds on the move involved 80 Meadow Pipit, 28 Grey Wagtail, 15Swallow and single Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Pectoral Sandpiper put in a second appearance.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Pectoral Sandpiper

8th September 2026 – overcast/showers WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 500 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Wigeon.
Grounded Migrants
Four Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and single Blackcap, Wheatear and Grey Wagtail were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Pectoral Sandpiper put in a brief appearance early morning but then promptly disappeared during a heavy downpour.

First Brent Geese return

7th September 2026 – overcast/showers W 2/3
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Goldcrest troubled the recorder.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were slightly better with 18 Swallow, 14 Grey Wagtail and 5 Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 12 light-bellied Brent Geese have returned and waders included 23 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Pied Flycatcher

6th September 2026 – overcast/showers SSE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 22 Common Scoter and 10 Gannet. A Shag was on the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A Pied Flycatcher was logged along with 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were again on the move with 60 Meadow Pipit, 16 Grey Wagtail, 16 Swallow, 7 Pied Wagtail and 2 Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included several Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
A teneral Red-veined Darter provided evidence that the species has bred on the island for the first time.

Black Guillemot

5th September 2026 – sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0830) produced 1000 Common Scoter, 220 Sandwich Tern, 21 Arctic Tern, 12 Shag, 4 Arctic Skua and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff were amongst a sprinkling of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 6 Grey Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 33 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier was seen and the Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.

Just seabirds

4th September 2026 – overcast/showers/rain later W4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0645-0845) provided 1800 Common Scoter, 290 Sandwich Tern, 60 Gannet, 32 Manx Shearwater, 6 Fulmar, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

Common Scoters move through

3rd September 2026 – overcast/showers/rain later W3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0845) produced 2795 Common Scoter, 177 Sandwich Tern, 27 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Fulmar, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Arctic Tern and single Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser and Shag.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.

Spotted Redshank and Ruff

2nd September 2026 – overcast/rain soon SW3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 545 Sandwich Tern, 135 Arctic Tern, 80 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 11 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear were seen.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 50 Meadow Pipit and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Spotted Redshank and Ruff.

Leach’s Petrel

1st September 2026 – sunny spells WSW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0645-0845) were highlighted by a single Leach’s Petrel amongst 580 Common Scoter, 104 Sandwich Tern, 61 Gannet, 44 Manx Shearwater, 7 Guillemot, 4 Shag, 4 Fulmar, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Kittiwake and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap.

Kingfisher

31st August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm then WNW4/6
Offshore
A check over the sea provided 110 Common Scoter, 7 Shag, 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 Robin, 4 Wheatear and single Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Sedge Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 60 Swallow, 60 Tree Sparrow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 24 Grey Wagtail, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Sand Martin and a House Martin.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was the highlight. Flocks of 200 Linnet and 45 Goldfinch were logged and single Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Cuckoo and Whinchat

30th August 2026 – sunny spells SW1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 270 Sandwich Tern, 102 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 9 Shag and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 9 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat and Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 30 Swallow, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Sand Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and House Martin.

Migration on view

29th August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm
Offshore
A check over the sea provided 32 Common Scoter, 15 Shag, 4 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 10 White Wagtail, 7 Spotted Flycatcher and 6 Wheatear were logged and warblers involved 8 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 3 Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 54 Tree Pipit, 34 Meadow Pipit, 25 Tree Sparrow, 12 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 400 Linnet was logged and single Barn Owl and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

First Wigeon of autumn

28th August 2026 – mist/calm then showers WNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 130 Sandwich Tern, 103 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 10 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 30 Swallow, 26 Meadow Pipit, 20 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Wigeon reappeared and waders included 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Two Marsh Harriers were the best of the rest.

Osprey and Marsh Harriers

27th August 2026 – overcast/rain later ENE3/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 500 Sandwich Tern, 110 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 5 Shag, 3 Pintail and a Teal.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Whitethroat amongst a handful of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were much busier with 840 Swallow, 110 Tree Sparrow, 74 Sand Martin, 24 House Martin, 12 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank amongst 500 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey fished the tide and perhaps 3 Marsh Harrier hunted the island.

Early morning seawatch

26th August 2026 – overcast/rain soon ENE3/5 then showers
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 450 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 17 Teal, 10 Sandwich Tern, 4 Pintail, 3 Shelduck and 3 Manx Shearwater.

First Pintail of autumn

25th August 2026 – bright and sunny E3/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 285 Common Scoter, 165 Manx Shearwater, 58 Gannet, 57 Sandwich Tern and 2 Pintail.

Grasshopper Warbler

24th August 2026 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0715) revealed 110 Sandwich Tern, 43 Common Scoter, 21 Manx Shearwater, 18 Gannet and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear, 3 Robin, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 67 Tree Sparrow, 40 Swallow, 7 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island along with Peregrine and Merlin.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 158 moths of 38 species with Tawny Speckled Pug new for the year. Immigrants involved 40 Rusty Dot Pearl, 17 Small Mottled Willow and a Rush Veneer.

Tree Pipits on the move

23rd August 2026 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 130 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 17 Manx Shearwater and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Robin, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Busier in the skies with 50 Tree Sparrow, 40 Swallow, 28 Tree Pipit, 10 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Swift and Yellow Wagtail recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Buzzard – the first of the year - was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Clouded Yellow was seen.

Redstart

22nd August 2026 – bright and sunny V2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 340 Manx Shearwater, 256 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Robin, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
The morning produced 30 Swallow, 14 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Tree Sparrows on the move

21st August 2026 – bright and sunny NE1 then WNW3/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (0615-0715) revealed 430 Sandwich Tern, 295 Common Scoter, 62 Manx Shearwater and single Shag and Shelduck.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear, 4 Robin, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 37 Tree Sparrow, 20 Swallow, 12 Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Pipit, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 House Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Sand Martin
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island and a Water Rail was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 194 moths of 50 species with Small Angle Shades new for the year. Immigrants involved 14 Small Mottled Willow, 7 Rusty Dot Pearl, 2 Silver Y and single Rush Veneer and White-speck – the latter the second island record.

Little Ringed Plover

20th August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm then NE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0745) produced 1480 Common Scoter, 1180 Manx Shearwater, 130 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 6 Shag and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was amongst 10 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Little Ringed Plover.

Osprey

19th August 2026 – overcast/calm then sunny spells WNW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0745) produced 935 Common Scoter, 300 Manx Shearwater, 215 Sandwich Tern, 38 Gannet, 3 Shag and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was amongst 10 Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey was the best of the rest.