28th - 29th

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