New moth provides the highlight

16th March 2011 – overcast NE1
Grounded Migrants
A Tree Sparrow was an unusual spring visitor early morning amongst small numbers of newly arrived Blue Tit, Blackbird and Chaffinch.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail were logged.
Moths
Although operated nightly, there have been very few moths attracted to the moth traps so far during 2011 so a Grey Shoulder-knot was a surprise new addition to the island list.
Ringing
Recent news involves a Goldfinch controlled on the island on 17th October 2010 which had previously been ringed at Crosby Hall, Merseyside on 7th March 2010 (70km S).

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First Wheatears arrive

14th March 2011 – early frost/bright and sunny SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
After an early frost spring-like conditions took hold and single Wheatears were seen at two localities on the island

Stonechat provides further confirmation of spring migration

13th March 2011 – overcast W2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 46 Eider, 26 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Razorbill, 2 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
Further confirmation of spring migration was provided by 10 Meadow Pipit and single Siskin and Pied Wagtail.
Grounded Migrants
Single Stonechat and Song Thrush were the only evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 6 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were seen.

Spring migration gets underway

12th March 2011 – overcast/rain later W3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) produced 100 Eider, 15 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 12 Siskin flew through and 10 Meadow Pipits and 2 Pied Wagtail provided further evidence that spring migration is beginning to get underway.
Grounded Migrants
A few Greenfinch and Goldfinch were newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain in residence.

Kittiwakes remain on the move

10th March 2011 – sunny spells/showers W5
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0930) produced 605 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet and a Fulmar along with small numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A few Greenfinch and Blackbird were newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A solitary Pintail continues to linger and 5 Shoveler were logged.

Kittiwakes on the move

9th March 2011 – sunny spells W5
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-1000) produced 420 Kittiwake, 11 Gannet, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A group of Greenfinch were noted flying in off the sea.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret and a Raven were the only other records of note.

Raven and Buzzard on the move

6th March 2011 – overcast then sunny S1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea early morning produced a Gannet amongst small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Perhaps 5 different Raven were seen including a group of three birds and single Buzzards moved northeast (1030hrs & 1320hrs) causing consternation in the gull colony.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 24 Barnacle Geese continues to hold the Spitzbergen and Caerlaverock ringed birds and 5 Shoveler and 2 Pintail were also recorded. Waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A total of 34 Twite were seen along with a single Little Egret.

Hen Harrier headlines

5th March 2011 – overcast/calm then NE2/3
Offshore
A flat sea early morning produced 145 Red-breasted Merganser, 140 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 8 Razorbill and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush and 6 Fieldfare were considered newly arrived and several Stonechat are now back on the island.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 17 Barnacle Geese continues to hold the Caerlaverock ringed bird and 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese were also recorded. Waders included 1000 Knot and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the island with 80 Twite, 2 Little Egret and single Water Rail and Merlin also seen.

Winter specialities remain in residence

4th March 2011 – overcast/calm
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 121 pale-bellied birds and at least 17 Barnacle Geese continue to linger. Waders included 16 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Merlin and Peregrine, at least 3 Little Egret remain and a flock of 40 Twite were seen.
Mammals
Two Hare and 2 Roe Deer were logged.