2nd October 2017

Weather: West force 7, gusting to 8 at times.

Another early start for observers but instead of searching for autumn migrants, the strong Westerly wind meant only one thing - a sea watch. A four hour stint over the high tide, with a further afternoon session produced some huge counts of birds plus a few scarcities. Scoter moved the whole time near the wind farm with an estimate of 7000 birds seen. Gannets appeared in numbers with a total of 500 recorded during the morning. 

Auks moved in small parties throughout the period with estimates of 500 Guillemot & 400 Razorbill with many others too far out to specifically identify. 

There were still good numbers of terns for so late in the year with 47 Sandwich & 37 Common counted. Just 6 Great Crested Grebes was a surprisingly low count. One Black-throated & one Red-throated Divers were off the north end with 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Eider, 1 Brent Goose and a Bonxie. 

Two Golden Plover were a surprise during the sea watch.

Understandably, given the weather, passerines were scarce although a few Goldcrests called from cover (presumably birds that have arrived over the last few days), two Swallows came in off, a Wheatear was on at first light before quickly moving on & a Skylark was on Middle with the Meadow Pipits.
Photos AS