16th April 2010

Migration again was very light with the wind from the east and then swinging north and north west during the early morning. A few finches passed, a single Willow was the only warbler and there were only 2 Wheatears, although a Grasshopper Warbler produced the most excitement when found in the Tea bush to the north of the old obs garden. Grasshopper Warblers are often heard but not seen, but in this case it was seen but not heard although it was characteristically skulking and managed to evade capture.
Four Eiders (3 males) flew south off the west side early and later a single drake was between the island and Red Rocks (right).
Fourteen Swallows and 15 Sand Martins went through mostly after late morning when a Common Snipe also flew across the island.
Recent regulars on the sea were still showing including several Gannets, 65 Little Gulls and the 2 Velvet Scoters. The Brent seem to have finally all departed.
Ringed:- 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Redpoll.
(DB,CJ,THM+1,CJW,SRW) [ 107] photo CJ