31st May 2013 – early mist/fog then sunny spells NW3/4
Rarities
Confirmation of a Red-spotted Bluethroat on the island on 20th May 2013 was finally established with the emergence of an image of the bird.
Offshore
Morning observations in deteriorating conditions (0730-0830) produced just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Ringing
A total of 90 birds of 18 species were trapped and ringed during the month with finches heading the list. Individual species totals were as follows: Linnet (19), Goldfinch (15), Lesser Redpoll (12), Willow Warbler (10), Starling (9), Sedge Warbler (5), Chaffinch (3), Whitethroat (3), Dunnock (2), Woodpigeon (2), Reed Bunting (2), Wren (2), Goldcrest (1), Chiffchaff (1), Robin (1), Pied Wagtail (1), Blackcap (1) and Spotted Flycatcher (1).
Moths
Another reasonable catch produced 2 immigrant Diamond-back Moths while Common Swift and Bright-line Brown-eye were new for the year.
Images
Male Red-spotted Bluethroat (Barbara Murphy).
30th May 2013 – early rain then sunny spells NW2
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) continued to produce just small numbers of the usual suspects with 20 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 8 Manx Shearwater, 5 Razorbill, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar logged.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of Spotted Flycatcher saw 5 birds logged along with 3 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swallow and House Martin was noted.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another itinerant appearance.
Moths
The best catch of the year so far produced 52 moths of 16 species. A Diamond-back was the only immigrant but Campion, Lychnis, Rustic Shoulder-knot and Marbled Coronet were all new for the year.
29th May 2013 – sunny spells NE3
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) again produced just small numbers of the usual suspects with 22 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Razorbill and single Common Scoter and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
The trickle of Swallow continue and a Common Buzzard flew northeast over the island – the third record this spring but still no Osprey or Marsh Harrier.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Teal has returned from its sojourn to the breeding grounds .
Moths
A Knot Grass would appear to be just the third island record while The Spectacle was new for the year.
27th May 2013 – rain S3/4
Offshore
Morning observations before the weather closed in were led by three Arctic Skua amongst 14 Common Scoter, 13 Sandwich Tern, 11 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 5 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Little Tern and Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 70 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Knot and 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks of Starling are already beginning to form while Lapwing, Redshank, Goldfinch and Pied Wagtail are busy feeding young.
25th May 2013 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide produced 44 Sandwich Tern, 44 Little Tern, 23 Gannet, 19 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and single Red-throated Diver and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were thin on the ground with 11 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swallow were again in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Oystercatcher, 125 Curlew, 60 Sanderling, 8 Whimbrel, 8 Grey Plover and a Greenshank.
Ringing
A Willow Warbler was the third passerine control of the year.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
24th May 2013 – bright and sunny NW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0900-1000) produced 36 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 13 Arctic Tern, 8 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern, 2 Common Tern and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 9 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Swallow were again in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was logged.
Moths
The moth trap attracted just 2 Brown Silver-line.
22nd May 2013 – bright and sunny NW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) provided small numbers of the usual suspects with 38 Guillemot, 20 Common Scoter, 10 Razorbill, 9 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Tern, 2 Common Tern and single Fulmar, Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater logged.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 7 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A single Lesser Redpoll was recorded and a trickle of Swallow were in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were seen.
Moths
The moth trap attracted a Poplar Hawkmoth.
21st May 2013 – early showers then sunny spells NW2/3/4
Offshore
A group of 4 Little Tern provided the highlight.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 25 Wheatear but otherwise just a solitary Willow Warbler was newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 10 Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the pick of the waders and 2 drake Gadwall were recorded.
Moths
The first Small Elephant Hawkmoth have now emerged.
19th May 2013 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided little other than a handful of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A small fall was highlighted by the mass arrival of Spotted Flycatcher with 30 birds logged, also seen were 40 Wheatear, 35 Willow Warbler, 5 Whinchat, 3 Redstart, 3 Garden Warbler and single Blackcap and Cuckoo. However, totals of 33 Sedge Warbler and 26 Whitethroat probably included many local breeding birds.
Diurnal Migration
Three late Barnacle Geese and 80 Pink-footed Geese headed north while 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 House Martin and a Swift were amongst 140 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel and 50 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Moths
Shuttle-shaped Dart, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Common Carpet and Cinnibar have now emerged.
