Weather: W force 6, later NE 5, rain and drizzle most of the day.
A strong westerly gave the opportunity of seeing something different from the mid-summer fare of the last few weeks. And sure enough Manx Shearwaters started passing the islands, the first few were just about visible in the mist but it soon cleared and a steady stream ensued, the majority moving east. Sixty seven were counted during the day.
Other sea birds were not as forth coming; 18 Sandwich and 54 Common Terns were feeding during the day, and 8 Common Scoter were spotted before the tide, although it took 2 hours after the tide before 8 Little Terns and a Gannet were recorded.
A Whimbrel was heard calling and was later seen near the lagoon between the islands, 18 Curlew also made the list today as did the Kestrel, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck and the female Eider. A juvenile Pied Wagtail was on the lifeboat slipway first thing and was still possibly flightless.
The progeny of the island pair, let us hope it survives the rain today.
photos AS
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