18th September 2010

The wind had finally dropped by Saturday morning although it remained in the north-west, but undettered observers ventured to the island for the early morning tide. 7 Leach's Petrels were noted in singles drifting past from early morning onwards and the Great Skua remained on the East Hoyle sand bank from yesterday - devouring dead auks no doubt. A couple of summer plumaged Red-throated Divers were seen on the sea as was an adult Kittiwake.

The drop in the wind had produced a trickle of Goldcrests including two birds caught (female far left and male) and a few Robins were present with one new bird trapped.

A single Pintail was on the ebbing tide and a Black-tailed Godwit flew over as observers left the island mid morning. A juvenile Common Tern has been seen at the South End of the main island over the last few days occassionally being fed by an adult (see right).

Two Goosanders flew from the East Hoyle towards Middle. [AEH, SRW] [550] Goldcrests (SRW) & Common Tern (AEH)