23rd August 2021

 Weather: SW force 2, WNW 2 by noon

A fine movement of Sand Martins took place today with 145 passing through, some Swallows also arrived but they only just made double figures. Wheatears had one of their better days with 8 showing in prominent places around the island.

Despite these welcome migrants a single Willow was the sole warbler present. A Golden Plover was the star among the sightings of the regular waders. A decent sea watch ensued even though the breeze was light today; there were 6 Gannets, 16 Guillemots, 4 Great Crested Grebes and 25 Common Scoter, with about 100 Sandwich and 21 Common Terns still about the islands. Six Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons fed beside the island and the Kestrel still keeps a watchful eye on the gardens.

Among the birds present that may have bred here were 60 Linnets, a Pied Wagtail and 6 Rock Pipits.

The smooth water enabled 3 Harbour Porpoise to be easily visible to observers, while other Mammals logged were 315 Grey Seals hauled out on the west hoyle. Seven Small White butterfly and a Red Admiral were eclipsed in interest by a Migrant Hawker dragonfly, possibly the same as yesterday.   Another good moth catch as follows:

Lime-spec pug

Flame Carpet

And a flaming sky tonight !

 

Photos CJW