3rd October

Most of the days action revolved around the sea-watch hide where a lengthy session in the morning yielded plenty of passing sea-birds on the seaward side meanwhile the days highlight were lurking just behind it on the inland side! These were 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers which showed well from mid-morning and presumably was the individual from a few days ago having been joined by another. Totals from 3.5 hours from the hide in calm conditions from first light produced 158 Sooty Shearwaters (with another 15 from casual observations), 2 Manx Shearwaters, 1829 Fulmars (including 4 blue phase), 3295 Gannets, 3 adult Pomarine Skuas, an Arctic Skua, 12 Great Skuas, 315 Kittiwakes, a 'Commic' Tern, 4 Puffins and 1393 Auk sp. The male Northern Harrier was seen early morning but not subsequently while 6 Yellow-browed Warblers included several newcomers. Another Pomarine Skua was seen off the south end of the island, 18 Whooper Swans and 473 Pink-footed Geese moved through south while 11 Pintails and 3 Jack Snipe were on the island while new passerines were a Robin, 2 Grey Wagtails, a Song Thrush, 19 Redwings, Garden Warbler and a Brambling.



 Buff-breasted Sandpipers (both photos George Gay)

Pink-footed Goose (photo Mark Warren)