By Thomas Weston and Eleanor Harris
The wind changed from West to Southwest yesterday provided a little burst of spring migrants the opportunity to arrive to the island, and many to pass through too. However, last night the wind changed to a Southeast, the optimum wind direction from the mainland to the island providing a nice tailwind for those wanting to make the jump.
We were on census this morning. Fog started the day but soon lifted to a lovely sunny morning with high cloud, a perfect mix for migrants. The first migrant noted were the Linnets, a species we have only recorded in small numbers this month so far. Then, the Meadow Pipits started calling as they passed overhead and we even saw some more coming in off the sea which is always impressive and great to note. Like the Linnets, a flock of migrant Goldfinches and a small increase of Chaffinches was noted too, showing the finches were certainly moving this morning.
The Landing Bay was a little choppy with the wind change so we only noted a single Guillemot and a nice flock of Kittiwakes fed just offshore. However, Benjamin’s Chair was slightly less choppy and resulted in a resurgence of 218 Razorbills - the highest count of the month. As we walked round, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were singing their hearts out, ahead of the breeding season. It was a beautiful sunny day and lovely to be out on such a sparkly morning.
MeadowPipit in Tillage Filed. ©ThomasWeston
The Gulls were out in force today, lured in by the sheep feeding! Numbers of Herring Gulls were in the 300s and Lesser Black Backed Gulls also joined the feeding frenzy. Walking back to the Village we noted more singing birds and arrivals of Meadow Pipits on the East coast fields.
The rest of the day was spent doing Health and Safety admin work and so a much-needed walk in the evening resulted in a 10,000 step walk to Jenny’s Cove, via the Upper East Path and Pondsbury. Some of the highlights included a Grey Heron on Pondsbury and 88 Kittiwakes in Jenny’s Cove who were new back to the island. The evening was breezy but dark, so we expect some more Manx Shearwaters arrived. Tomorrow is looking good for some migrants from the East! +