House Sparrow in the Village. c Thomas Weston
Census was a success, even in strong east winds. The Tims were one of the first seen people whilst Eleanor and I walked into Millcombe. Migrant wise, a single House Martin, 7 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Common Redstarts – one in Millcombe and one at Benjamin’s Chair, 4 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, single Blackcap, 3 ‘Greenland’ Wheatear, 3 nominate Wheatear, and a Cormorant passed by and were recorded. The wind was tough going but we found nice flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches, and the ‘normal’ pair of Chaffinches all in and around the area. A Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, and feeding parties of Herring Gulls and Lesser-Black Backed Gulls were noted. However, the most unusual species was a Rock Pipit, a species we have been a bit concerned about due its absence around the island during census, or on walks. The only pic was this House Sparrow in the wind.
We let the wind die down and went to check the Manx Shearwater boxes on the West Coast. We checked all boxes and discovered a new bird for the year, a bird carrying a GLS tag which is super exciting. We also heard a possible Dotterel flying around, but unfortunately, we could not see the bird, as well as 2 Swifts on our way back.
Common Redstart at Dead Cow Point. c Thomas Weston
After some admin tasks, I went to show Greg the Seabird Station and the Puffin Survey Site. We could not find any waders along the west, but we found a new male Common Redstart, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, and a Whitethroat, and a range of nominate and Greenland Wheatears. The best came in the form of a pod of Common Dolphins and a couple of very close Harbour Porpoise both attracting Gannets, Manx Shearwater and even a few Puffins.
A successful day!