12th September 2011

A strong south westerly strengthened as the day went on reaching force 9 in the afternoon, despite which the west hoyle wind farm seemed to be not operating to take advantage. Observers however took advantage of the sea watching opportunities and although being stranded in the sea watching hide for 3 hours because of the wind and spray, managed to record 20 Gannets, 2 Bonxies, 4 Arctic Skuas (including 2 pale phase), a single Common Scoter, 250 Sandwich terns and 40 Common Terns ( an increase in numbers compared to yesterday). Manx Shearwaters were again much scarcer than expected with just 2 seen. Passerines kept their head down in the conditions and only a few Meadow Pipits were up and about, but later a Willow Warbler was found in the paddocks and a Robin was ringed. (KMc +1) [778-42]