22nd May 2013

The strong NW wind proved difficult for small migrants with just 10 Swallows struggling North early in the day and a lone Wheatear at the South end as the tide ebbed.  Consequently attention turned to the sea and a two hour seawatch prior to the high tide was very productive with 150 Gannets, 150 Common Terns, 60 Sandwich Terns, 13 Kittiwakes, 8 Arctic Skuas, 8 Guillemot,  4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Manx Shearwater and 1 Red-throated Diver. 2 or 3 drake Scoters spent the day around the islands while 3 Little Egrets appeared after the tide. Waders were still well represented including 2,000 Dunlin which were frequently harassed by a Peregrine.

(CS)