30th May 2010

A change in the weather to a brisk north-westerly force 5 to 6 meant that sea-watching was the order of the day.

575 Gannets was the main species, the majority were distant but some came quite close (see right and below). Terns were well represented with 250 Common, 100 Sandwich and 3 Little Terns recorded along with a single dark phase Arctic Skua.

Other sea-birds included 7 Fulmars (see left), 6 Kittiwakes and 33 Manx Shearwaters.

The gutter contained 2 Little Egrets before and after the tide although sadly there was no sign of yesterday evening's Spoonbill.

Small numbers of hirundines passed through including a late Sand Martin and 3 House Martin.

A massive count of 670 Atlantic Grey Seals is the second highest count ever (following a record count of 723 on 25th May 2010).

[AAB, JE, AS, PSW, CLW, SRW + TGW, CJW (f), GIW +4] Photos PSW