More migration!

14th September 2026 – mizzle/mist SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 101 Common Scoter, 10 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Sandwich Tern and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 200 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and single Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A first-winter Shag sheltering on the pools was unusual.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Delicate and a Small Mottled Willow.

Migration conditions

13th September 2026 – early drizzle then suuny spells/calm
Offshore
A check of the flat sea revealed 42 Common Scoter, 36 Shag, 6 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 10 Robin, 8 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 520 Meadow Pipit, 320 Pink-footed Goose, 110 Swallow, 60 House Martin, 54 Grey Wagtail, 7 Sand Martin and single Tree Pipit and Tree Sparrow moved through once the drizzle cleared.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 54 light-bellied Brent Geese was seen and waders included 220 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Cetti’s Warbler, Hooded Crow, Water Rail and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A pod of 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore and a Weasel was seen.
Dragonflies
A total of 6 teneral Red-veined Darter were seen, consolidating the counties first confirmed breeding record.
Butterflies and Moths
Two Clouded Yellow were recorded.

Hooded Crow pick of a poor bunch

12th September 2026 – heavy rain clearing SW4/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea (1000-1100) as the rain cleared produced just 2 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
There were 27 light-bellied Brent Goose logged and waders included 35 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 100 Linnet were the best of the rest.

Insects headline!

11th September 2026 – overcast/showers WNW3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 137 Common Scoter, 14 Shag, 4 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 2 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of birds included 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Great Spotted Woodpecker and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Delicate and a Clouded Yellow was seen.

Brent Geese increase

10th September 2026 – overcast/rain later SSE3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 294 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 22 Manx Shearwater, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 10 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and a single Blackcap were seen.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were no better with 40 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow and 3 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 58 light-bellied Brent Geese present and additional wildfowl included 40 Wigeon and a Shoveler. Waders included 1620 Oystercatcher, 1120 Redshank, 534 Dunlin, 477 Curlew, 90 Golden Plover, 82 Sanderling, 82 Turnstone and 32 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 35 Little Egret were counted along the eastern shore and Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Pectoral Sandpiper reappears

9th September 2026 – overcast/showers SSE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 34 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag and single Gannet and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 12 Robin, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap and single Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The first 6 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were logged and other birds on the move involved 80 Meadow Pipit, 28 Grey Wagtail, 15Swallow and single Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Pectoral Sandpiper put in a second appearance.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Pectoral Sandpiper

8th September 2026 – overcast/showers WSW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 500 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Wigeon.
Grounded Migrants
Four Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and single Blackcap, Wheatear and Grey Wagtail were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Pectoral Sandpiper put in a brief appearance early morning but then promptly disappeared during a heavy downpour.

First Brent Geese return

7th September 2026 – overcast/showers W 2/3
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Goldcrest troubled the recorder.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were slightly better with 18 Swallow, 14 Grey Wagtail and 5 Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 12 light-bellied Brent Geese have returned and waders included 23 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Pied Flycatcher

6th September 2026 – overcast/showers SSE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 22 Common Scoter and 10 Gannet. A Shag was on the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A Pied Flycatcher was logged along with 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were again on the move with 60 Meadow Pipit, 16 Grey Wagtail, 16 Swallow, 7 Pied Wagtail and 2 Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included several Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
A teneral Red-veined Darter provided evidence that the species has bred on the island for the first time.

Black Guillemot

5th September 2026 – sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0830) produced 1000 Common Scoter, 220 Sandwich Tern, 21 Arctic Tern, 12 Shag, 4 Arctic Skua and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff were amongst a sprinkling of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 6 Grey Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 33 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier was seen and the Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.

Just seabirds

4th September 2026 – overcast/showers/rain later W4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0645-0845) provided 1800 Common Scoter, 290 Sandwich Tern, 60 Gannet, 32 Manx Shearwater, 6 Fulmar, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

Common Scoters move through

3rd September 2026 – overcast/showers/rain later W3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0845) produced 2795 Common Scoter, 177 Sandwich Tern, 27 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Fulmar, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Arctic Tern and single Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser and Shag.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.

Spotted Redshank and Ruff

2nd September 2026 – overcast/rain soon SW3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 545 Sandwich Tern, 135 Arctic Tern, 80 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 11 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear were seen.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 50 Meadow Pipit and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Spotted Redshank and Ruff.

Leach’s Petrel

1st September 2026 – sunny spells WSW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0645-0845) were highlighted by a single Leach’s Petrel amongst 580 Common Scoter, 104 Sandwich Tern, 61 Gannet, 44 Manx Shearwater, 7 Guillemot, 4 Shag, 4 Fulmar, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Kittiwake and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap.

Kingfisher

31st August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm then WNW4/6
Offshore
A check over the sea provided 110 Common Scoter, 7 Shag, 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 Robin, 4 Wheatear and single Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Sedge Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 60 Swallow, 60 Tree Sparrow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 24 Grey Wagtail, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Sand Martin and a House Martin.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was the highlight. Flocks of 200 Linnet and 45 Goldfinch were logged and single Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Cuckoo and Whinchat

30th August 2026 – sunny spells SW1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 270 Sandwich Tern, 102 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 9 Shag and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 9 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat and Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 30 Swallow, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Sand Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and House Martin.

Migration on view

29th August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm
Offshore
A check over the sea provided 32 Common Scoter, 15 Shag, 4 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 10 White Wagtail, 7 Spotted Flycatcher and 6 Wheatear were logged and warblers involved 8 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 3 Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 54 Tree Pipit, 34 Meadow Pipit, 25 Tree Sparrow, 12 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 400 Linnet was logged and single Barn Owl and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

First Wigeon of autumn

28th August 2026 – mist/calm then showers WNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 130 Sandwich Tern, 103 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 10 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 30 Swallow, 26 Meadow Pipit, 20 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Wigeon reappeared and waders included 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Two Marsh Harriers were the best of the rest.

Osprey and Marsh Harriers

27th August 2026 – overcast/rain later ENE3/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 500 Sandwich Tern, 110 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 5 Shag, 3 Pintail and a Teal.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Whitethroat amongst a handful of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were much busier with 840 Swallow, 110 Tree Sparrow, 74 Sand Martin, 24 House Martin, 12 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank amongst 500 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey fished the tide and perhaps 3 Marsh Harrier hunted the island.

Early morning seawatch

26th August 2026 – overcast/rain soon ENE3/5 then showers
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 450 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 17 Teal, 10 Sandwich Tern, 4 Pintail, 3 Shelduck and 3 Manx Shearwater.

First Pintail of autumn

25th August 2026 – bright and sunny E3/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 285 Common Scoter, 165 Manx Shearwater, 58 Gannet, 57 Sandwich Tern and 2 Pintail.

Grasshopper Warbler

24th August 2026 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea (0630-0715) revealed 110 Sandwich Tern, 43 Common Scoter, 21 Manx Shearwater, 18 Gannet and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear, 3 Robin, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 67 Tree Sparrow, 40 Swallow, 7 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island along with Peregrine and Merlin.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 158 moths of 38 species with Tawny Speckled Pug new for the year. Immigrants involved 40 Rusty Dot Pearl, 17 Small Mottled Willow and a Rush Veneer.

Tree Pipits on the move

23rd August 2026 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 130 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 17 Manx Shearwater and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Robin, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Busier in the skies with 50 Tree Sparrow, 40 Swallow, 28 Tree Pipit, 10 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Swift and Yellow Wagtail recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Buzzard – the first of the year - was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Clouded Yellow was seen.

Redstart

22nd August 2026 – bright and sunny V2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 340 Manx Shearwater, 256 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Robin, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
The morning produced 30 Swallow, 14 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Tree Sparrows on the move

21st August 2026 – bright and sunny NE1 then WNW3/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (0615-0715) revealed 430 Sandwich Tern, 295 Common Scoter, 62 Manx Shearwater and single Shag and Shelduck.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear, 4 Robin, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 37 Tree Sparrow, 20 Swallow, 12 Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Pipit, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 House Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Sand Martin
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island and a Water Rail was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 194 moths of 50 species with Small Angle Shades new for the year. Immigrants involved 14 Small Mottled Willow, 7 Rusty Dot Pearl, 2 Silver Y and single Rush Veneer and White-speck – the latter the second island record.

Little Ringed Plover

20th August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm then NE2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0745) produced 1480 Common Scoter, 1180 Manx Shearwater, 130 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 6 Shag and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was amongst 10 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Little Ringed Plover.

Osprey

19th August 2026 – overcast/calm then sunny spells WNW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0645-0745) produced 935 Common Scoter, 300 Manx Shearwater, 215 Sandwich Tern, 38 Gannet, 3 Shag and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit was amongst 10 Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey was the best of the rest.

Little movement

18th August 2026 – overcast/early rain WNW3/5
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 112 moths of 33 species. Immigrants involved 11 Small Mottled Willow, 9 Rusty Dot Pearl, 3 Silver Y and an Olive Tree Pearl while Feathered Gothic was new for the year.

Light movement

17th August 2026 – early murk/mizzle E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Single Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail flew through.
Miscellaneous
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the light trap involved 27 Small Mottled Willow, 15 Rusty Dot Pearl, and a Silver Y while 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth fed on buddleia.

First Spotted Flycatcher of the autumn

16th August 2026 – overcast/showers/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 1000 Common Scoter, 480 Sandwich Tern, 8 Shag and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Sedge Warbler, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
The skies produced 25 Swallow, 20 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Pipit, 4 House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 150 moths of 51 species with Golden Dot apparently new for the island. Immigrants involved 23 Small Mottled Willow, 14 Rusty Dot Pearl, 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth and 2 Rush Veneer while Mullein Wave and Small Dusty Wave were new for the year.

Treecreeper

15th August 2026 – overcast/showers NW3/5
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed 205 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet and 8 Sandwich Tern.
Miscellaneous
A check of the island’s “woodland” produced 10 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Coal Tit and single Jay and Treecreeper.
Butterflies and Moths
At least 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth remain.

Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier and Osprey

14th August 2026 – overcast/calm then sunny spells WNW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 535 Sandwich Tern, 390 Common Scoter, 11 Shag, 8 Gannet, 4 Gadwall and 3 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and 3 Whitethroat and a Cuckoo was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were well represented, sightings included: 2,572 Oystercatcher, 1,363 Ringed Plover, 1,189 Dunlin, 1,077 Curlew, 786 Sanderling, 700 Knot, 482 Redshank, 156 Turnstone, 27 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel and single Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Single Marsh Harrier, Osprey and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 161 moths of 54 species with Mint Moth apparently new for the island and a Bordered Sallow new for the year. Immigrants involved 15 Rusty Dot Pearl and 8 Small Mottled Willow while 5 Hummingbird Hawkmoth were seen.

Wood Sandpiper

13th August 2026 – hot and sunny/calm
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed 400 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 5 Shag, 2 Teal and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 7 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 400 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Tree Pipit and single Yellow Wagtail and Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continues to hunt the island and a Water Rail and the resident Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 237 moths of 58 species. Immigrants involved 26 Small Mottled Willow, 26 Rusty Dot Pearl, 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth and 3 Rush Veneer while Chevron, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Narrow-winged Pug were new for the year.

Marsh Harriers

12th August 2026 – bright and sunny ESE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 500 Sandwich Tern, 10 Manx Shearwater, 9 Shag and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were busier with 410 Swallow, 24 Sand Martin, 5 House Martin and single Swift and Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Marsh Harrier were hunting over the island early morning and the Hooded Crow remains. The last few House Sparrows are now almost fledged.

Sandwich Terns galore

11th August 2026 – bright and sunny ESE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 1,590 Sandwich Tern, 66 Common Scoter, 10 Manx Shearwater, 7 Shag, 4 Gannet, 3 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Robin and 2 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 50 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling.

Chats and wagtails

10th August 2026 – bright and sunny N1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 620 Sandwich Tern and 3 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 13 Pied Wagtail, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 2 Robin and a Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines involved 10 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin while 2 Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Greenshank and 3 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Marsh Harrier was again hunting over the island early morning and the Hooded Crow remains.
Dragonflies
Emperor and Migrant Hawker were seen.

Marsh Harrier and first Tree Sparrows

9th August 2026 – overcast/showers WSW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 200 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded warblers involved 2 Willow Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Five Tree Sparrows flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Green Sandpiper remains.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted the island early morning and 120 Goldfinch and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Green Sandpiper

8th August 2026 – sunny spells/calm then S1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 48 Sandwich Tern, 16 Manx Shearwater, 13 Gannet and 4 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Robin was logged and warblers involved 6 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
24 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin and 5 Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin, Water Rail and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Immigrants in the light trap involved 27 Rusty Dot Pearl and a Bordered Straw.

Quiet times

3rd August 2026 – sunny spells E3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 154 Common Scoter, 34 Sandwich Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded warblers involved 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff. Three Yellow Wagtail were amongst 10 Pied Wagtail
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift were logged.

Merlin and Water Rail

2nd August 2026 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 600 Sandwich Tern, 105 Manx Shearwater, 17 Gannet, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Little Tern and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded warblers involved 10 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Eight House Martin and 5 Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The first Merlin of the autumn was logged and 2 Peregrine and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Black Guillemot

25th July 2026 – overcast/showers W4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0800) produced 220 Manx Shearwater, 90 Sandwich Tern, 56 Common Scoter, 42 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 2 Little Tern and single Great Crested Grebe, Fulmar and Black Guillemot.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held 161 moths of 43 species with White-line Dart the dominant species while highlights included Archer’s Dart, Southern Wainscot, Shore Wainscot, Small Mottled Willow, Rusty Dot Pearl and Rush Veneer.

Greenshank numbers begin to build

23rd July 2026 – sunny spells WNW3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 30 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler were amongst 6 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Two Collared Dove were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Goosander were logged and waders included 160 Redshank, 38 Turnstone, 26 Greenshank, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and single Whimbrel and Little Ringed Plover.
Breeding Birds
Perhaps 6-7 pairs of Swift have bred on the island this year.
Miscellaneous
Finch flocks are beginning to build with a total of 270 Linnet were recorded.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted Small Mottled Willow, Archer’s Dart, Shore Wainscot and Rusty Dot Pearl.

Spotted Redshank and Osprey

22nd July 2026 – overcast WNW3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced just 10 Sandwich Tern 2 Common Scoter and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 27 Whitethroat, 17 Sedge Warbler and 8 Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Little Ringed Plover and Spotted Redshank.
Breeding Birds
Linnet and Greenfinch appear to have had a reasonable breeding season
Miscellaneous
An Osprey fishing off the eastern shore was the first this year.

French ringed Willow Warbler

21st July 2026 – overcast W2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 15 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Five Yellow Wagtail, 7 Willow Warbler and the lingering Cuckoo were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Oystercatcher appear to have had a reasonable breeding season
Ringing
A Willow Warbler was initially ringed on 24th August 2025 at Gannedel, Chapelle-de-Brain, Ille-et-Vilaine, France (713km S) .

Red-throated Diver and Cuckoo

20th July 2026 – warm and sunny WNW2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and an early returning Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was seen and 3 Yellow Wagtail were amongst 10 Pied Wagtail while 4 Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 50 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Turnstone, 2 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 138 moths of 48 species including Small Mottled Willow, Archer’s Dart, Fen Wainscot and Small Rufous.
Dragonflies
There are now 15 Small Red-eyed Damselflies present and the first Migrant Hawker has appeared.

Cuckoo heads south

17th July 2026 – warm and sunny E2/4
Grounded Migrants
Three Yellow Wagtail, 2 Willow Warbler and a Cuckoo were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 10 Raven were logged along with the long-staying Hooded Crow.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 247 moths of 61 species with Rosy Minor and Dingy Footman the top species while Southern Wainscot, Fen Wainscot and Shore Wainscot were the highlights. Immigrants involved Silver Y, Dark Swordgrass and Diamond-back Moth

Little Ringed Plover

16th July 2026 – hot and sunny WNW1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 250 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Five Yellow Wagtail were amongst 38 Pied Wagtail and 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2597 Oystercatcher, 1780 Curlew, 254 Redshank, 196 Dunlin, 50 Sanderling, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Greenshank, 11 Whimbrel and single Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A total of 31 Little Egret, 2 Raven and 2 Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
Another Lesser Emperor and at least 4 Red-veined Darter were seen; however, the highlight was 8 Small Red-eyed Damselflies – the first Cumbrian record.

Mediterranean Gull and Yellow Wagtail

14th July 2026 – hot and sunny/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 330 Common Scoter, 26 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet and a Mediterranean Gull.
Diurnal Migration
Five Swift and a Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 230 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel and a Goosander was seen.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Mediterranean Gulls

13th July 2026 – hot and sunny ENE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0530-0630) produced 350 Common Scoter, 147 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 5 Manx Shearwater and 2 Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was new in.
Diurnal Migration
Single Swift and Grey Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 42 Dunlin, 26 Sanderling and 6 Grey Plover.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 20 Red Admiral and 2 Painted Lady while immigrants in the moth trap involved a Small Mottled Willow.

Yellow Wagtails

12th July 2026 – hot and sunny NE2/4
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail were amongst 21 Pied Wagtail and a Reed Warbler was new in.
Diurnal Migration
Five Swift were amongst 100 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper amongst 150 redshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Kingfisher new for the year

11th July 2026 – hot and sunny E2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0645-0745) produced 94 Common Scoter, 67 Sandwich Tern, 66 Manx Shearwater, 7 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was new for the year.
Butterflies and Moths
The Small Blue remains and 6 Grayling were logged.
Dragonflies
Although there was no sign of the Lesser Emperor, dragonflies remained prominent in the sunshine with 6 Red-veined Dater amongst 50 Common Blue Damselfly, 33 Black-tailed Skimmer, 22 Emperor Dragonfly, 10 Emerald Damselfly, 5 Four-spot Chaser, 4 Common Darter and 2 Brown Hawker.

Coot new for the year

10th July 2026 – misty start then warm and sunny/ calm
Diurnal Migration
Single Grey Wagtail and Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Snipe and a Coot was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A Small Blue was the first island record and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen.
Dragonflies
A Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was logged amongst 40 Black-tailed Skimmer.