9th May 2026

 Weather:  W force 3   cold at first warming later

 A visiting birder present from dawn reported single migrants of Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and Redpoll. Also present was a Purple Sandpiper which is unusual in May, we are used to seeing them in full winter plumage. One of our regular Eiders was here, and a 3rd summer Yellow-legged Gull was identified. A Common Sandpiper stayed around until later in the morning. On the ground and in the paddocks there were few birds to see although a Wheatear was here and and one each of alba wagtails also a Chiffchaff. Six Swallows flew around the island while shore feeders included 6 Whimbrel, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Little Egrets and 4 Shelduck. Ten Common Scoter were the only sea birds noted at the low tide. Butterflies showed as the morning warmed up, 2 Painted Ladies, 2 Green-veined Whites and a single Small White.

 Thanks to Pierre Montieth for some records