12th May 2012

Not quite so windy but still from a northwesterly direction, it became quite pleasant in the sunshine later in the morning, but migrants were again sparse in number but at least there were a few! Over 40 Swallows and a late Sand Martin passed through, some staying to feed over the island. The very bulky Greenland Wheatear from 4 days ago was re-trapped and it had gained half a gram in the last 2 days, and was the only Wheatear seen. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard singing briefly by the obs, and a Whitethroat was in the wild life garden, but no new birds were ringed. Passing through rapidly were 2 White Wagtails, 4 Goldfinches and a Blackcap that was found on Middle around noon. On the sea 3 Eiders (2drakes) were noted with 3 Gannets and 6 Sandwich Terns. Shore birds logged included 500 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plovers, 2 Whimbrel and a Little Egret.
The Secretary gave a talk concerning the working of the observatory to a study group that stayed on the island last night, we were also able to show them a Greenland Wheatear in the hand.
(CJ,DCT,PT,NDW +4,SRW,TGW), also Paul Brady (RSPB)    [ 612-28 ]