11th May 2021

Weather: SE 3

 A slower pace to movement overnight with significantly fewer Willow Warblers grounded and less visible migration across the island by day, some 'good' birds however were found including 3 Sedge Warblers and 3 Whitethroats, one of which sang vigorously in the paddocks.

Just before the tide a Whinchat was found on Middle. Afternoon showers dropped in another 6 Willow Warblers and a Sedge Warbler also 2 Wheatears which made 8 in total, a considerable improvement on yesterday. Very few finches arrived, just the odd Redpoll,

Hirundines struggled to repeat the small passage from yesterday, 10 Swallows and a House Martin went through today. A surprise Collared Dove gave a quick fly through down the island and 3 Canada Geese did exactly the same, feinted to drop in at the pond but thought better of it and carried on. One of the 3 recent Eiders sat alone on the whaleback, the other 2 were seen later.  Two hundred Sanderling flew north off the west side, 400 Dunlin were also about and there was still 13 Whimbrel to see.

Most other waders were in small numbers (i.e. 3 Turnstones, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Ringed Plover). Twenty two Gannets, a Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Scoter and  a couple of Guillemots were the sea birds logged. Sandwich Terns are now at much lower levels than 2 or 3 weeks ago, only 25 counted today. Four Little Egrets and a Grey Heron were around the islands. At least 2 Rock Pipits were present.

 photos AS