21st May 2023

 Weather: SE force 3, mostly cloudy at firs,t sunny and warm later

There was slightly more cloud and less mist this morning but it didn't seem to improve matters as regards any new bird arrivals at this time in late spring. We still await our first Spotted Flycatcher (which is normally the harbinger of the start of the summer). There was a Chiffchaff singing intermittingly but it was very elusive. A few Goldfinches called around the island and a Starling made a visit.

A Jackdaw and a Skylark flying over and a Woodpigeon landing were other unseasonable visitors.

Four Eiders seen today, 3 males (2 adult) and a female, while Shelduck appeared in small groups this morning (3,6,10 and 11). Gannets stood out on the sea with 36 feeding, there were also 20 Common Scoter, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Sandwich, 70 Common and a Little Tern. Two Porpoises also made the sea watching list. A few butterflies were out and about, notably  a Common Blue and 3 Orange Tips (male below)

Waders increased as the tide approached, and 6 Whimbrel were the highlight with a supporting cast of 69 Ringed Plover, 67 Sanderling, 115 Dunlin and 11 Turnstone. Thewre were just 3 Little Egret.

Photos SRW