Bits and Pieces

11th June 2010 – sunny spells WNW 1/2/3/4
Offshore
Still extremely quiet over the sea with just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot logged early morning.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear was logged, while four juvenile Stonechat were evidence of post-breeding dispersal.
Diurnal Migration
Two late House Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two drake Wigeon were presumed to be early returning birds.
Moths
The moth trap again was the main focus of attention with 380 moths of 57 species identified. Highlights were Caloptilia syringella and Coleophora albicosta – both apparently new island records, but presumably overlooked in the past. Also seen were Sand Dart, Buff Ermine, Elephant Hawkmoth and Crambus lathoniellus – all new for the year.
Images
Elephant Hawkmoth, Coleophora alibicosta and Caloptilia syringella

Velvet Scoter continues to linger

9th June 2010 – overcast/showers ENE3/4/5/6
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear for a while, presumably still heading north, was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift was the only record of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
The summering female Velvet Scoter continues to skulk amongst the breeding Eider population.
Moths
The moth trap again was the main focus of attention with 526 moths of 56 species identified, the best night of the summer so far. Highlights were Orthotaenia undulana – the first since 1987 and Green Carpet – the first since 1995.
Images
Green Carpet and Orthotaenia undulana

A few seabirds appear

8th June 2010 – overcast/showers SE1/2
Offshore
Slightly more activity over the sea early morning with small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern and Guillemot logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift was the only other record of note.
Moths
The moth trap again was the main focus of attention but overnight rain reduced sightings with just 310 moths of 43 species. New for the year were the immigrant Diamond-back Moth along with Middle-barred Minor and Celypha striana. Day-flying moths included good numbers of Small Magpie and Cinnabar and 3 Mother Shipton.
Butterflies
The first Large Skippers are now on the wing.

Little of note!

7th June 2010 – sunny spells W1
Offshore
Still little of note over the sea with just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few summer plumaged Turnstone continue to linger.
Moths
Another good night with 44 species trapped including the first White Colon and Common Marbled Carpet of the year.

Gadwall surprise

6th June 2010 – early fog then showers/calm
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 4 Gadwall was an unusual record for the island at this time of the year.
Moths
Fortunately the moth trap continues to keep observers amused with 438 moths of 48 species trapped overnight. The pick of the bunch was Aethes Smeathmannia - the first since 1985 and a Flame Carpet – the first since 2000 – and new for the year were Oblique Carpet, Dusky Brocade, Plum Tortrix and Eucosma campolilana.
Images
Flame Carpet and Eucosma campolilana.

Grasshopper Warbler still reeling

5th June 2010 – sunny spells W1
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 20 Sanderling were along the maritime shore.
Breeding Birds
A Grasshopper Warbler continues to reel early morning but it looks to be another poor breeding season for Eider with just 6 chicks seen.

Puffin brace

4th June 2010 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) were led by a brace of Puffin, also seen were 44 Guillemot, 12 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and single Razorbill and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Sanderling and Turnstone are still present.

Little Ringed Plover saves the day!

3rd June 2010 – bright/sunny/calm
Offshore
A late Red-throated Diver was the pick of early morning sightings which also included small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders.
A Little Ringed Plover was found late in the day – still a rare bird on the island there are just a handful of previous records. A drake Teal was perhaps the first returning bird rather than a summering individual.

Moths remain main focus!

1st June 2010 – rain, drier later SSE1/2
Offshore
Early morning sightings were again limited to a handful of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Breeding Birds
Recently fledged Stonechat and Greenfinch are already showing signs of post-breeding dispersal.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen hunting early evening.
Moths
The moth trap produced 415 moths of 47 species including the first Scalloped Hazel to be recorded for 10 years and the first few Silver Y. Also new for the year were Common Carpet, Brimstone, Gold Spot and Setaceous Hebrew Character.
Image
Scalloped Hazel.