1st May

Very strong westerly winds battered the isle on the first day of the new month, there was however some signs of passage especially with waders as there were some improved counts today including 42 Knot and 36 Dunlin while 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Whimbrel and 313 Turnstone were noted.   Yesterday's first year Little Gull remained around Garso and was joined by a fine adult Iceland Gull which was loafing with the breeding Common Gulls while 9 Arctic Terns were seen passing offshore.   Landbirds were understandably less well represented although only our second Willow Warbler of the year was seen at the Obs along with a new Sparrowhawk, single Woodpigeon and Collared Dove, an increase to 16 Swallows, 4 White Wagtails and a Chiffchaff.