Weather: NNE force 4 E6 in the afternoon
A surprise red letter day today when a Cuckoo literally found its own way into the SK trap ready to be ringed. At first sight before approaching the trap we assumed it was a raptor but it soon became apparent it was only the 3rd Cuckoo caught and ringed in the last 40+ years, (there had been 12 prior to 1983 in an era when they were more widespread in Britain).
After ringing the Cuckoo flew back into the paddock and later off to the south west towards Wales.
Other bird news was at a slower pace although we had another brief view of a Puffin and the sighting of a Manx Shearwater. Two Swifts flew over the island and 2 Willow Warblers were present also a Pied and a White Wagtail and a Goldfinch, while ominously a Carrion Crow was seen carrying nesting material.
A genuine raptor appeared in the form of a Peregrine which has not been a regular visitor lately.
There were 25 Ringed Plover also 100 each of Sanderling and Dunlin, and 18 Whimbrel.
A pair of Eider were the sole duck noted. Butterflies ranged from Green-veined White to Orange Tip, Red Admiral and Peacock.
During a quiet moment our secretary gave a talk to visiting students from the University of Liverpool.
Photos PSW, SRW
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