30th June 2021 – hazy/sunny spells/calm then SE1/2
Offshore
Although a drake Velvet Scoter was amongst 40 Common Scoter observations over the sea (0615-0815) were slow with additional sightings limited to 200 Manx Shearwater, 32 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Breeding Birds
For the first time in many years there is no evidence that House Martins are breeding on the island this year, in addition, Swallow numbers are down with many traditional nesting sites unoccupied.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 261moths of 66 species with Mottled Beauty the dominant species while Barred Straw, Small Fan-foot, Common Footman, Small Angle Shades, Antler Moth and Small Dusty Wave (see below) all new for the year.
Dragonflies
Good numbers of Emperor Dragonfly are now on the wing.
29th June 2021 – hazy/sunny spells/calm then W1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 75 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 9 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and 3 Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Swift moved through.
Breeding Birds
A family party of Jay were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The number of Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet on the wing have increased.
28th June 2021 – warm and sunny/calm then V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 126 Manx Shearwater, 100 Sandwich Tern, 39 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Sand Martin moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank was the best of the waders.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 295 moths of 54 species with Cinnabar the dominant species with 107 individuals, White-line Dart and Shore Wainscot were new for the year. The afternoon sunshine brought out the insects, day flying moths included Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet and Six-spot Burnet with 10 Small Skipper and single Painted Lady and Ringlet also seen – the latter the first of the year.
27th June 2021 – sunny spells NE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed just 135 Sandwich Tern, 124 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 5 Gannet, 2 Puffin, 2 Razorbill and single Shag and Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 9 Sand Martin and 3 Swift moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 18 Black-tailed Godwit logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 192 moths of 50 species with Flame the dominant species. In addition, Obscure Wainscot (see below), White Satin and Burnished Brass were new for the year while immigrants were limited to a single Silver Y.
26th June 2021 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0915) revealed just 300 Sandwich Tern, 228 Manx Shearwater, 88 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown are now on the wing.
25th June 2021 – overcast/rain NE3
Offshore
A check of the sea during a drier interlude (1030-1130) produced 101 Manx Shearwater, 68 Sandwich Tern, 18 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A single Willow Warbler was presumably southbound.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 480 Oystercatcher, 11 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover and single Greenshank and Whimbrel logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 144 moths of 44 species with Heart and Dart the dominant species. In addition, Satin Wave and Garden Tiger were new for the year while immigrants were limited to 2 Silver Y.
24th June 2021 – overcast/fog/murk/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea as the visibility began to improve (0730-0930) produced 570 Common Scoter, 570 Manx Shearwater, 100 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 9 Common Tern, 5 Shag and single Artic Skua, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Turnstone.
23rd June 2021 – overcast/murk/rain at times/calm
Offshore
Common Scoter dominated sightings early morning (0600-0800) with 375 birds logged. Also seen were 80 Sandwich Tern, 43 Manx Shearwater, 22 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 3 Puffin and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 290 Curlew, 20 Redshank and 16 Grey Plover logged.
Breeding Birds
Four broods of Shelduckings totalling 28 chicks were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 202 moths of 53 species with Mottled Rustic the dominant species. In addition, Mottled Beauty was new for the year
Miscellaneous
Sea Holly is now to be found across the island.
22nd June 2021 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Manx Shearwater continue to dominate sightings early morning (0600-0800) with 310 birds logged. The supporting cast provided some variety with 160 Sandwich Tern, 37 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 23 Guillemot, 11 Puffin, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar also seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders are already beginning to return with 32 Turnstone logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved 7 Red Admiral and 4 Painted Ladies.
