Light easterly winds and blue skies were interrupted by occasional bands of fog and increased coverage of 75% on both dates.
Red-backed Shrikes were the undoubted highlight on 28th with at least
8 different individuals spread about the Island.
Kittiwakes were again seen in good numbers with
434, unfortunately this is likely a worrying sign further north. More encouraging is the continuing increase of
Arctic Terns settling down and the first
Starling and
Black-headed Gull chicks are out and the
Quail continues to sing at Ancum.
5 Manx Shearwaters were seen from Dennis Head and
5 Black-tailed Godwits flew north. The
Pink-footed Goose remains on Hooking Loch where
2 first-summer
Little Gulls were hawking insects, whilst
2 Song Thrushes were new and other migrants were
2 Common Sandpipers, a
Tree Pipit,
Whitethroat,
3 Lesser Whitethroats,
2 Blackcaps,
5 Chiffchaffs,
4 Willow Warblers and
6 Spotted Flycatchers. More late migrants were seen on 29th with
2 Woodcocks and a
Robin, whilst a female
Honey Buzzard flying north in the afternoon was a welcome addition and the first since May 2009. A female
Sparrowhawk was also seen along with single
Woodpigeon,
Cuckoo,
House Martin and
Garden Warbler, and just
3 of yesterdays
Red-backed Shrikes remained.
Honey Buzzard (photo by Keith Betton)
Tree Pipit