A Richard’s Pipit found in the arable fields during the afternoon was easily the avian highlight of the day, although it quickly disappeared south and out of sight. In the morning not a great deal had been seen – a Redstart at Cristin was just about the highlight. The probable Reed Warbler was still lurking at Ty Capel, again managing to conceal itself most of the time and avoiding the mist nets. Other warblers on the island included a Blackcap, two Whitethroats, four Goldcrests, 13 Chiffchaffs and five Willow Warblers, while two Whinchats, a Spotted Flycatcher, 20 Wheatears, three Grey Wagtails and two White Wagtails were the best of the other passerines. 160 Black-headed Gulls and 280 Herring Gulls passed at sea, the Merlin and Water Rail were still present, and two Siskins and a flock of 33 Goldfinches spent the day on the island.

Another day of calm sea meant that the conditions were good for seeing cetaceans, and a spectacular display of 28 leaping Risso’s Dolphins was observed close in front of the North West hide.

Whinchat and Stonechat

(c) Steve Stansfield