5th May 2016

Weather: SE force 1/2

Bluebells are now starting to appear at the south end  (CJ)

Another good day of migrants on the ground with over 20 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs and 3 Goldcrests taking a liking to the Blackthorn blossom in the paddocks, also several larger warblers found during the morning including 4 female Blackcaps, a Whitethroat and a female Redstart. Visible migration overhead however was sparse for this time in the spring. Greenland Wheatears were in double figures although none were caught for ringing today and 2 flocks of Redpolls early on failed to fulfill their promise and appear later in the morning. White Wagtails and Swallows passed only in small numbers with 5 House Martins and a Sand Martin. Many waders are still present around the islands and today 17 Whimbrel were the pick, also 9 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4,000 Dunlin, 17 Turnstone, 35 Ringed Plover, 11 Sanderling and a summer plumaged Grey Plover. As the tide flooded 6 Gannets were off the west side with about 30 Common Terns and 70 Sandwich Terns.

A Common Sandpiper was found late morning near the south end. All in all a calm and beautiful day on the island over the mid-morning high tide.

Ringed :17 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Redstart, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Lesser Redpoll.     [ 214-23 ]