11th April 2024 – hazy sun/rain later SW3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 750 Common Scoter, 150 Kittiwake, 62 Gannet, 17 Red-throated Diver, 11 Shag, 3 Sandwich Tern and a Manx Sheareater.
Grounded Migrants
Although 23 Wheatear were logged passage remained slow with additional sightings limited to 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 545 light-bellied birds and waders included 1845 Oystercatcher, 960 Redshank, 680 Golden Plover, 542 Dunlin, 339 Curlew, 256 Turnstone, 165 Knot, 130 Sanderling, 102 Grey Plover, 90 Ringed Plover, 72 Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and two Water Pipit appeared on the rising tide.
10th April 2024 – overcast/rain soon SSE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 530 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 9 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining slow with sightings limited to 5 Wheatear and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 1190 Pink-footed Geese and 9 Whooper Swan headed north.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
8th April 2024 – showers SE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 820 Common Scoter along with 10 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining slow with sightings limited to 3 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 320 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 531 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small White and Red Admiral were on the wing and the moth trap attracted a Clouded Drab.
7th April 2024 –showers S4/8
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 315 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Sandwich Tern and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and single White Wagtail and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swallow and 2 House Martin flew through – the latter the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 500 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
6th April 2024 – sun and showers SE5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 206 Common Scoter, 33 Teal, 13 Sandwich Tern, 10 Wigeon, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Gannet, 3 Guillemot and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 10 White Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 3 Redwing, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swallow flew through – the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 508 light-bellied birds and waders included 4 Jack Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Whimbrel and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Water Pipit reappeared on the latest round of high tides, all of which are now attaining summer plumage. The Hooded Crow and Cetti’s Warbler both remain.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Peacock of the year was on the wing.
5th April 2024 – overcast/mizzle/murk S3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 78 Common Scoter, 48 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Shoveler and a Shag.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 16 Twite and a Merlin were logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
Blackcap and Willow Warbler are now on territory in breeding areas.
4th April 2024 – overcast NE1/2
Offshore
A check of the relatively calm sea (0700-0800) produced 82 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 17 Razorbill, 17 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 3 Shag and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Redwing, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 60 Twite was logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
2nd April 2024 – early rain clearing/calm
Offshore
A check of the calm sea (0715-0815) produced 115 Common Scoter, 32 Sandwich Tern, 30 Red-throated Diver, 12 Shag, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Guillemot and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 11 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and single Redwing and Fieldfare.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 45 Twite was logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
1st April 2024 – overcast/rain ENE3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 184 Common Scoter, 13 Sandwich Tern, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Little Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Siskin.
